25th October, 2006 Dalian - I always look forward to Dalian after the hustle and bustle of DongGuan. Arrived at midnight and made our way to the hotel. Dalian is very unlike many other cities in China. The streets are not filled with people and bicycles. Much of the shopping is done underground away from the bitter cold.

Dalian is parralel to Namp'o, North Korea and is probably within the N.Korean nuclear range - gulp! Along the hilly coast of Dalian is a huge park reserve and a navy base and lookout. It is apparently a very strategic point and gateway as it faces North Korea and the East China Sea.

There are many condominiums and apartment complexes in Dalian which would look like any other suburb in Boston or Maryland. The Picture on the left is taken from the parking lot of a seafood restaurant. ...Great seafood!

My last trip to Dalian, I had a taste of this sea urchin (Pic on the left) Our host asked if I would like a sea urchin, I politely declined this time. Its served as it is, cold and cut in half. Its inside is orange in color and very rich...like caviar.

On the right is a plate of fish roll cooked in ginger and spring onions! Delicious! I would recommend anyone who visits China to make a trip to Dalian.