Which city that you have traveled to do you want to settle in long-term?

The Failed Dream of Lhasa

When I was young, I wanted to open a bar or a small inn in Lhasa.

I had even picked out the landlady.

So, on my fifth trip to Tibet, I wandered around the Barkhor Street area of Lhasa, looking for suitable houses.

Original photo: She is not a house, she is the “landlady” I picked out.

But I couldn’t find a suitable house. Instead, I ended up visiting almost all the small temples in Barkhor Street that didn’t charge admission fees.

As a result, I was mistaken for someone else because I had casually written a guide to the small temples, which caught the attention of an editor from a travel magazine. After it was published, they paid me over a thousand yuan as a fee.

This led to the future landlady having an instant tool to discourage me: “Lao Fei, Lao Fei, you need to have a correct understanding of yourself! You’re just someone who wanders around and writes randomly, you’re not cut out for business, let alone finding a house.”

This merciless blow eventually resulted in Lhasa losing a failed businessman who wrote recklessly.

Let me tell you why I wanted to settle in Lhasa back then, there were three reasons.

Firstly, when I looked at my bank account, I realized that if I stayed in Beijing, I would probably be pushed out of the fifth ring road if I wanted to buy a house.

But if I moved to Lhasa, I could probably afford to buy a house in the city center, and I would wake up every day with a view of the Potala Palace.

This reason is valid—I currently live outside the fifth ring road.

Original photo

Secondly, I was tired of the daily rush on the subway to and from work.

You know, being squeezed on the subway, regardless of whether the person next to you is male, female, beautiful, or ugly, the subway car will always be filled with the strong scent of human bodies.

You can’t move around freely, and it’s difficult to explain yourself before getting scolded or hit if you accidentally touch something you shouldn’t.

I had enough of repeating this twice a day, being watchful twice.

I just wanted to find a less crowded place where I could stretch my legs and lazily stretch.

This reason is half valid, half not.

The valid part is that I still take the subway every day, and instead of feeling embarrassed, I even feel a sense of satisfaction, as it shows that I still have a job for the time being and still have a place to go!

The invalid part is that even if I don’t physically touch something I shouldn’t, just by glancing at it with my eyes, it’s still challenging to explain before getting scolded or hit or having my explanation posted online.

Internet image: A creative advertisement from Thailand

Thirdly, I like the slow-paced life and the vibe of Lhasa.

To be honest, this reason is also half valid, half not.

The valid part is that in the Barkhor Street area of Lhasa, if you are just a tourist, it does have a unique vibe and you can experience a slow-paced life.

The invalid part is that Lhasa is not just Barkhor Street. Most of its body is actually not much different from the city we live in.

There are also markets, supermarkets.

There are also lively KTVs and hair salons with glass doors that don’t take responsibility for cutting hair…

For a city, tourists are just passing through, whether they write an article or post a video, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative, it’s a selective representation.

But living or striving in a city is an entirely different matter.

Original photo: Beijing Dong Road in Lhasa

Until now, I have been to Tibet nine times and still love Lhasa, love the vibe of Barkhor Street, but I no longer have the desire to settle here.

Lhasa’s livability is relative to the snowy plateau.

Compared to cities at the same latitude as Lhasa, such as Chengdu, Wuhan, and Hangzhou, any one of them is more livable than Lhasa.

After all, Tibet is a plateau.

Being a transient tourist is enough for me.

After all, all those insignificant stories of love, hate, and emotional struggles occurred in Beijing.

I am destined to live, grow old, and die in Beijing.

The Natural Beauty of Slovenia Travel

Slovenia

Not just a city, but a country

In the summer of 2019, I picked up a car from Venice Airport and drove straight to the northeastern border of Italy, where I spent 20 euros on an entry card at the border and entered Slovenia. Compared to other former Yugoslav countries and regions - the rustic Albania, the forgotten North Macedonia, the post-war rebuilt Kosovo, and the tourist-booming Croatia - what stays in my mind about Slovenia is the meandering rivers, towering snow-capped mountains, serene lifestyle, and the nature-loving and hospitable people. In this “European emerald” country, from adventure to relaxation, everything is up to the individual.

Further reading:

Cannot Miss Triglav National Park

After bidding farewell to my host Ales and two French girls, I continued my journey to explore nature here. Although Slovenia has a small land area (just over 20,000 square kilometers), it has rich geographical diversity, with the Alps, the Mediterranean coast, karst caves, and over 60% of the land covered by forests. It is like a large outdoor playground.

If you explore carefully, you will find that most of Slovenia’s natural beauty cannot be separated from Triglav National Park. This national park covers an area of 84,000 hectares, making it the only national park in Slovenia and one of the largest in Europe. Even the three peaks depicted on the Slovenian flag are the Triglav Mountains, highlighting their importance.

Within this area, there are not only clear and beautiful rivers and lakes, thundering waterfalls, primitive forests, and valleys, but also numerous small towns and attractions like paradise.

Among them, my favorite is the river. The river flows gently, crystal clear, with a silky milky white color, agile and gentle. Driving along the small roads in the valley, I can stop the car anytime and walk to the riverside. The Sava River was the first river I “conquered”. As soon as my feet touched the water, a chill like lightning flashed through my body, so I quickly got out of the water. Unexpectedly, even in over 30 degrees weather, the river water was still so chilling. After resting for a while, I wanted to cross the river to the other side’s pebble beach. However, I shivered and jittered, and returned to the original spot in less than 10 seconds. There was a family playing in the river. The mother was playing happily with her 2-year-old baby and a dog. Seeing me trying to cross the river, she shouted and asked if I needed help. Seeing the toddler running freely in the river wearing a diaper, I felt embarrassed to admit that I couldn’t stand because the river water was too cold. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I reluctantly climbed back to the bank and left.

Another natural scenery I love is Vintgar Gorge, which is somewhat similar to Jiuzhaigou in China, but in a mini version. Wooden walkways are built along the Radovna River, stretching for 1.6 kilometers. The Radovna River is as clear as crystal, with colors shifting between shades of emerald green and light green. Fallen trees in the mountains have become driftwood in the lake. There are also scattered waterfalls, with splashing water vapor lingering in the air like rainbows, making the valley humid and slightly warmer.

When I arrived, it was already 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and most of the tourists had left, making the valley particularly quiet. Under the winding mountain walls, “no ancient comes forward, no future comes backward.” I felt a bit lonely being alone, so I started singing as I walked. Occasionally, when I met someone, I would hum softly and smile friendly, as if there were no embarrassment or impropriety. So I sang more freely and felt like a free cuckoo.

Not far from the valley, there is a large campsite called Camping Perun Lipce, built against the mountain, where you can find RVs, tents, restaurants, and canoes. If you arrive late, most of the flat sites are already full, and you can only camp in the woods. At night, lights are lit up “house by house”, and you can hear guitar playing, singing, laughter, mixing with the sounds of insects and birds in the valley.

Speaking of small towns in Slovenia, Kranjska Gora is highly recommended. Located in the Julian Alps, near the Austrian border, it is adjacent to Triglav National Park when you leave the town to the south. It is a lively place during the World Cup skiing events in winter. After the busy winter season, people come to the town’s bike park, place their bikes on top of their cars, and enjoy cycling on dedicated roads. As for me, I chose to find a roadside café, sit under a big parasol, and order a traditional potica cake and iced coffee, intending to spend time aimlessly. Unlike kremna rezina cream cake, potica is a rolled cake filled with walnuts, raisins, nuts, honey, etc., with a refreshing taste.

After sitting for a while, an old man sat next to me and asked why I was wasting the sunny day in the shade. I didn’t know how to answer for a moment and just said that I happened to be passing by and hadn’t seen anything interesting yet. The old man continued, “There are over 1,600 hiking routes and smooth cycling paths everywhere in Slovenia. There are hundreds of waterfalls in the mountains, and yet you chose to sit in a café without any characteristics, it’s such a waste.” He took out a map and pointed out places I could go with his not-so-fluent English.

Guided by the old man, I went to Lake Jasna, admiring the layered mountains reflecting on the clear lake like mirrors, presenting untouched and natural beauty. I strolled along the mountain roads, exploring the mysterious churches hidden around the Vršič Pass. I met hikers in Vrata Valley and climbed up to see the Peričnik Waterfall with a drop of 52 meters.

During the three days of exploring Triglav National Park, I witnessed different landscapes and met lively people. I hope that everyone can meet and integrate into the nature of Slovenia’s mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas, and relax their body and mind.

The Leisurely Ljubljana Makes Me Forget It’s a Capital

At the end of this journey, I returned to Ljubljana. Due to factors such as geopolitics, many European cities (such as Edinburgh, Prague, and Lisbon) choose to be built on hills to increase natural defenses. Slovenia’s capital is no exception. It is built in a basin in the upstream of the Sava River in the northwest, surrounded by mountains, just to avoid the threat of the Ottoman Empire. However, cities that are accompanied by hills often build walls and fortresses on hilltops, giving people a feeling of oppression. But Ljubljana made me change my inherent impression.

On both sides of the Ljubljanica River in Ljubljana, there are rows of historical buildings, the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation facing each other across the river, the ancient streets extending from the Town Square, the well-preserved old city layout, the spacious and clean cobblestone roads, fountain sculptures and monuments scattered throughout the old city, Ljubljana Castle overlooking the city like a green oasis, and the charm of the old streets shaded by trees… Although it is an ancient city, Ljubljana does not feel dull. If it were a piece of music, the city’s historical landmarks would be the main theme, accompanied by lively variations. These variations include the lively shouts of vendors in the open-air stalls at Ljubljana Central Market, the humorous street performers and restaurant promoters, the vibrancy of students in the University of Ljubljana in the city center, and the laughter and cheers in bars when night falls.

I happened to be in Ljubljana during Slovenia’s National Day, celebrating the 28th anniversary of independence from former Yugoslavia. Security measures were in place on all the city streets, crowded with police officers. Outside the Town Hall Square, there were people holding flags. Each of them eagerly awaited the president’s speech and the celebration activities in the evening. I also joined the crowd. At first, I felt a little embarrassed, thinking that it might not be appropriate for a foreign tourist to participate in another country’s National Day. But I was soon surrounded by enthusiastic locals. Someone poured me a drink, and a cheerful aunt gave me two flags - the Slovenian flag and the Ljubljana city flag - and gestured me to wave them. In the crowd, I could feel the joy and pride of the Slovenian people after achieving independence. Even though this country does not have a strong economy and modern cities like Western European countries, the stability and modest prosperity gained after leaving the war are the greatest sources of happiness for the local people.

Before leaving Ljubljana and returning to Italy, I went to an open-air market again to buy some food and drinks for the road. An uncle selling cakes at a stall was particularly cute. He put the cake in a plastic bag and blew it up like a balloon before tying it, saying it was to prevent the cake from being damaged. I bought a bag and planned to take a photo of this interesting packaging by the roadside. Then an old man approached me and pointed to the dragon on the nearby bridge, saying “China, China, dragon, dragon”.

At first, I didn’t understand what he meant. Later, when I looked carefully, I found that he was referring to the dragon on the bridge. He continued to explain to me in not-so-fluent English, saying, “China has dragons, and Chinese people like dragons. We also have dragons here.” Long ago, the ancestors of ancient Greeks came to Ljubljana while fleeing and defeated a monster resembling a dragon, settling here. Although the dragon was killed, its soul still guards this land and the city’s fire, allowing people to live here for generations. Therefore, the people of Ljubljana regard it as the guardian of the city, and Ljubljana is also known as the “Dragon City”.

Indeed, dragons can be found everywhere in Ljubljana. They appear in the form of reliefs on ancient towers, on towering city gates, on church buildings, on bridges, and on manhole covers… The image of the dragon, whether in relief or in modern architectural style, and even street art, can be seen throughout the city. Although the dragon revered by Slovenians is far different from the dragon in Chinese civilization, both can be called “descendants of the dragon”. Who says this is not a kind of fate?

Slovenian Travel Information

Visa Application

Slovenia joined the Schengen Zone at the end of 2007, allowing for the application of short-term visas for Slovenia. Individuals who hold short-term multiple-entry Schengen visas issued by other Schengen countries for purposes such as entry and transit can also enter Slovenia within the visa’s validity and stays period. Likewise, those who possess valid residence permits issued by other Schengen countries can enter Slovenia within their permits' validity and stays period. People meeting the above criteria can stay in Slovenia for up to 90 days without needing to apply for a visa.

Transportation

Airplane:

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport is the only international airport in Slovenia, with regular flights to several European countries. While there are currently no direct flights between Slovenia and China, Chinese tourists can travel to Slovenia by transferring in major European cities such as Paris, Milan, Frankfurt, Brussels, and Istanbul to reach Ljubljana Airport.

Train:

Slovenia is well-connected to many European countries through fast, direct trains. Slovenia is part of the Eurail Global Pass system, which allows travelers to enjoy the convenience of exploring Slovenia by using the Eurail pass.

Long-distance buses in Europe:

There are long-distance buses from many European cities to Slovenia, covering most cities, towns, and rural areas in Slovenia. Some cities that are thousands of kilometers away from Slovenia even have direct long-distance buses to Slovenia, such as Zagreb in Croatia, Venice in Italy, Vienna in Austria, and some cities in Sweden and Denmark. Most international long-distance buses stop in Ljubljana. The green FlixBus, which connects Slovenia with other European cities, is also becoming increasingly popular.

Local transportation:

Taking the bus is one of the ways to explore Slovenia. There are buses connecting almost every city and town in Slovenia with the capital, Ljubljana. Buses from Ljubljana can also take you to popular attractions such as Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Velika Planina, and Piran.

Driving in Slovenia:

The roads in Slovenia are in excellent condition, with clear road signs, making it convenient to experience the journey by driving. Major car rental companies such as Hertz, Budget, and Avis are available in Slovenia. You can also book through domestic car rental apps such as Zuzuche and Huizuche. Chinese driving licenses need to be notarized in Chinese and English and can be used in Slovenia. However, drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years.

When driving in Slovenia, you need to pay tolls, and you can purchase a vignette at any gas station. Please affix the vignette on the top left corner of your windshield. The price of the vignette varies according to the duration of purchase, such as a week, a month, or a year.

Mediterranean Climate

Barcelona

The Mediterranean climate is truly the most livable comfortable zone for humans.

New York: My Ideal City

New York.

Having lived for over 30 years, I believe I truly started understanding life after I turned 28. To be more specific, I became aware of my fixed preferences and gradually developed stable values and perspectives, which included my preference for certain cities.

Of course, I am also captivated by the beauty of nature, but when it comes to choosing a place for long-term settlement, I am more inclined towards cities with a strong cultural atmosphere, particularly cosmopolitan metropolises like Paris, London, New York, and Shanghai.

Permanent residence is different from travel; I need convenient living conditions, a comfortable residential environment, and unlimited entertainment experiences in a place where I decide to settle long-term. New York fulfills all of these requirements for me.

Some may argue that New York is also filled with homeless people and eccentrics, and the subway can be smelly. However, before I visited the city, I had some concerns as well. Surprisingly, after going there, I felt a certain inexplicable familiarity, and it even became a routine for me, just like Paris where I have lived for more than seven years. This does not affect my genuine love for long-term residence in this city because the positive aspects far outweigh the negative ones. “No place is perfect, and you need to make choices based on your own preferences.”

Here, you can always find a variety of international cuisines to satisfy your taste buds. Every month, there are new restaurants to try out. The city boasts world-class museums with permanent exhibitions that you can explore for months or even years, not to mention the new exhibitions that are introduced every few months. There are also various cultural and artistic events and performances. Even if you do nothing, taking a stroll in Central Park or observing pedestrians and dogs will never be boring…

Of course, this answer only applies to the city where I envision settling down. In reality, if one were to consider long-term settlement, there would be many practical aspects to consider, but let’s not delve into that here~

Choosing a Settling City: Qingdao

Having been to various cities in China, I feel that there are many cities I would like to settle in (*^▽^*)

If I can only choose one.

I would probably choose Qingdao…

Actually, I did have the idea of ​​settling in Qingdao back then.

(Although I didn’t end up going) (*^▽^*)

My husband’s ancestral home is in Shandong, and he did not refuse my suggestion (*^▽^*)

The main consideration is my adaptability. I’m afraid I may not be able to adapt to the climate if it’s too far south.

I’m not that adaptable.

Qingdao is by the sea, and the climate is not that extreme.

Remember the popular poem before:

I have a house facing the sea, with blossoming spring.

Just thinking about it is so artistic (*^▽^*)

As for concerns about food and vegetables…

In Qingdao, we should care about beer and seafood (*^▽^*)

As for why I didn’t consider Dalian…

It’s too close to home, I didn’t have a feeling for it…

And for someone like me who loves alcohol, Qingdao beer is a plus…

Don’t mention Snow, it makes me angry!

Both are priced at 3.5 yuan per bottle, why is their bottle 580ml while ours is 550ml?

Going off topic, let’s talk about Qingdao again.

How do you say Qingdao dialect?

Eat clams, drink beer?

After work, buy a bag of beer, go home and stir-fry some clams, just thinking about it makes me feel on top of the world (*^▽^*)

Occasionally hanging out with friends, it’s great to brag together.

Go to the beach on weekends, take a stroll, it’s a good way to relieve stress.

Although I prefer mountains, Qingdao also has mountains.

The combination of mountains and sea is amazing!

But the housing prices in Qingdao are a bit expensive ╮(￣⊿￣)╭

After calculating with my husband, it seems that we won’t have much money left in our pockets after buying a house…

Later, my husband’s relocation to Qingdao was cancelled…

If we insist on moving to Qingdao, we don’t have the means…

In the end, as a lowly little shrimp like me, I’d better stay put.

Travel, Food, Fun

Chengdu. A place that is both delicious and fun. The housing prices are not too high either.

Apart from frequent rain, there are not many major issues.