> I think I'm most afraid to travel to China because I may never leave,
> the great stuff and centuries of history make it irresistable for me. I
> was watching Anthony Bordain's No Reservations the other day when he
> traveled to China and he stopped by a pickle shop that had been in
> business for over 500 years... here in the U.S. it's impressive to see
> "In Business since 1979" or occasionally something founded in the late
> 1800's... but it is almost incomprehensible for one business to be
> around for 500+ years. Later he was eating at a small rural home and
> the wok had been passed down for over 200 years. That kind of culture
> and history is too alluring, I don't think I could escape it.

I've been to Hangzhou and to that place. It's not as cool as it looks
in the picture and the commentary. I went during a non-tourist season
and they were half staffed with low quality tea. You can sit there and
get some old Longjing for 50rmb a pop. If you want the real deal, you
need to go to Chengdu, Sichuan. Hangzhou is a super-touristy place.