Hooray for repaired internet! Here are some pictures from my trip to Haerbin with Hans! A reminder that if you'd like to see a larger version of these pictures (especially the wide shots), simply click on photo of choice and you too will be able to revel in all the expansive wonder that is my digital camera!


Daoliqu, better known as Russia town, is pretty much the shopping district/cultural hub of Haerbin. A lot of Russian influence in this part of the North. Walking through the cobblestone streets of this part of town feels a lot like what I would expect Europe to feel like, certainly not what you think of when you think of China.



Most of the foreigners we encountered were Russian (there's a lot more foreigners in Haerbin than in Shenyang) and so it's no surprise that vendors have learned some Russian phrases to attract potential customers. Unfortunately, all Hans and I could respond with when mistaken for Reds was "AHH MOTHERLAND!" (props to those who get the reference)


The Church of St. Sophia--A Russian Orthodox church built in 1907 and restored after the Cultural Revolution.


The square around St. Sophia had such a homey feeling--brisk cool air, tree lights and beautifully lit buildings, even a soprano sax playing Christmas carols piped in over a loudspeaker. Even though we visited in January, Hans and I both agreed that it was the most Christmas spirited we'd felt since coming to China and chances are had we been there the 25th, we probably would have cried.


Flood Control Monument. The water reached the first line at the top of the base during Japanese occupation during WWII and nothing was done to prevent the destruction (people had other things on their mind, like not dying at the hands of the Japanese). The river flooded again in 1958, this time reaching the upper line on the pillar. The momument commemorates the success in holding back the flood (read: lots and lots of sandbags) and is a memorial to those who died in the previous flood.


Hoarfrost at a park near the Flood Control Monument.


The Japanese Unit 731 Germ Warfare Experimental Base -- Main entrance for "patients"/prisoners. The Japanese occupied China during WWII and although we are well-versed on the German treatment of Jews in Europe, the situation in China is unfortunately little known in the West. The Japanese treatment of the Chinese was arguably of the same degree if not, more terrible than their German counterparts, both as far as casualties and degree of cruelty are concerned. This base was one of the main "testing and experimentation" facilities scattered throughout NE China. To this day many Chinese, especially in the NE, hold a deeply rooted hatred towards the Japanese.


Ruins of the Power Supply Building for the base.


Remains of the 731 Germ Warfare Base. The Japanese destroyed most of the buildings and evidence before fleeing but a Japanese reporter in the early 80's did some investigating and brought to light some of the history of this area.


Looking up into the smokestack of the power supply building.


An original sentry building of the base. Now serves as ticket office.


The Great Wall (of Ice). Haerbin had "little" ice creations all over the city...we stumbled across this one in a nearby park while we were looking for the bus stop.

Oh, a random fact about the Great Wall: I've always been skeptical of the effectiveness of the wall. I mean, wasn't the point to keep out the Mongolians? They can climb right? You silly Chinese, how practical is that? Ah, but the wall was not meant to keep out the Mongolian soldiers, it was meant to keep out the Mongolian HORSES! You see, Mongolians are basically born on the backs of horses, most know how to ride even before they can walk. So it's no wonder why they would be invincible on horseback. However, horses don't climb so well so you get the "Mongorians!" off their Hi-Ho Silvers and voila! they turn into short little men, with short little arms and short little legs that can neither run fast nor hit hard, easy targets for the very skilled Chinese infantry. hmph, silly Chinese indeed.


Entrance gate to the ice festival park. The Ice Festival is a huge deal each year, people come from all over the world to check it out. Apparently it gets bigger each year. If you can stand the cold, it's most definitely worth the trip.




The twelve zodiac animals in ice form. Me, doing my best mouse impression. (1984--Year of the Mouse)


Hans, being a pig. (1983--Year of the Pig)



I was genuinely contented walking through this place. Even though it was cold (I was not wearing near enough socks!) I nevertheless felt very warm and happy. The music, the creations with their beautiful lights, it all had a very bubbly and familiar feel, as if we were walking around at an evening party and (underneath about fifty layers) people were dressed in their finest gowns and suits. I've been reading Jane Austen, forgive me, but surely you know what I mean.




Buddha -- and I thought I was cold!


Overlooking the ice festival...from the top of a really huge ICE SLIDE! (Oh heck yes!)


Can I keep him? (An Artic snow fox, for those that were wondering, with a fur coat a good four inches thick!)