Stop and Smell the Roses

This photo was taken in 2008 on the train between Manzhouli and Harbin, China. Sometimes you have to stop to smell the roses. The rose has been used to display love since the ancient Greeks and Romans both used it to symbolize their goddesses of love, Aphrodite and Venus.

The View from the Back

This photo was taken in 2008 from the back of a train traveling from Manzhouli to Harbin, China. The ride takes about 15 hours and includes numerous stops throughout Inner Mongolia. It's a stunning trip as you can see the vast grass plains and the traditional yurt homes of Inner Mongolians. A yurt is a portable home made of wood lattice and usually covered in felt made from wool. If you're ever on the train from Harbin to Manzhouli, keep the curtains open and enjoy the scenery.

Harbin, China

This photo was taken in 2008 in Harbin, China. Harbin is the 10th largest city in China with just under 10 million residents. Harbin is sometimes called "The Ice City," both because of the bitterly cold winters(average HIGH temperature in January is -12 C) and because of it's famous Ice Festival. Harbin's Russian influence also makes it unique and it has numerous Russian style cathedrals and an entire shopping street with European style storefronts. Harbin is a city that most travellers would overlooks, but if you plan on going to Manchuria, Harbin is a can't miss.