Disconnecting Briefly

Today we are traveling toward the Yellow Sea. The Yellow Sea, bordered by China, North Korea, and South Korea, is a significant body of water known for its yellowish sand originating from the Yellow River, coloring its waters. It is one of the largest shallow areas of continental shelf globally, with an average depth of 44 meters and a maximum depth of 152 meters. The sea is also referred to as Huang Hai in China and the West Sea in North and South Korea. It is an arm of the Pacific Ocean, merging with the East China Sea.

We are setting off for the port in Tianjin and then spending the following two days in the captivating city of Beijing, China. During our time there, we have planned to visit two of China's most iconic landmarks: the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. The Great Wall of China is an expansive defensive structure that was constructed in ancient China, renowned as one of the largest building projects ever undertaken. Comprising multiple walls that were built over two millennia, the Great Wall stretches for miles, showcasing the remarkable ingenuity and perseverance of the ancient Chinese people.

In addition to the Great Wall, we will also be visiting the Forbidden City, an imperial palace complex in Beijing that served as the residence of the Emperor of China from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty (1420 to 1924). This magnificent complex is a testament to the grandeur and power of imperial China, and we are eager to explore its many halls, courtyards, and gardens.

As we embark on our journey to China, our access to Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet system, will be unavailable starting this evening. This is due to the Chinese government's opposition to Starlink's presence in the country, as a result of China's disapproval of SpaceX providing Starlink to Ukraine, a nation currently at war with Russia, a Chinese ally.

Regrettably, this means that my blog posts may be limited or non-existent briefly. However, rest assured that we will make the most of our time in China and return with exciting photos and insights to share. We look forward to reconnecting with you all upon our return and sharing our experiences from this captivating country.