STREETS OF OLD SUZHOU.

OLD SUZHOU

We wander the streets and alleys built beside the Suzhou canals. For centuries vendors have bargained their goods and services from stalls and shops. The sights are mind-boggling as the modern clashes with the ancient. A flashy electric motor scooter parks beside a Sedan Chair. Peddle Trishaws pass Chevy cars. A Chinese couple in traditional wedding costume hurry before young chicks wearing boots and modern Western garb.

Canal boat rowers collecting rubbish from the water pass a chap revving a chain saw, as he dangles over a cherry-picker, to cut tree branches beside power lines. Contrasts amaze me as crowds surge towards us. Buildings and canal bridges exude history. We enter a "cafe" to rest, enjoy coffee and observe the slower pace that canal life can provide.

Trishaws awaiting customers.

This Suzhou canal fails to reflect the walking tiler. 

Canal reflections and canal boats

A mobile fruit vendor.

Shops open for business. Note the bend in the tree
which avoids the shop awnings. 

The old and the new!
Trishaw passing the new Chev. 

The Venice of the East with canal taxis
plying there trade. 

I wonder where I find native birds in China?
Now I have the answer!  

Cooking lunch beside a street vegy stall.
Sugar cane rests beside the drinks Frig. 

A day to hang out the laundry down the alley. 

Canals do exude a tranquil beauty.

The ancient Hu Xiangshi Bridge. 

The bridge plaque.

The thousand year old Shi Po Bridge. 

Shi Po Bridge plaque. 

The modern way of pruning with a chain
saw atop a cherry picker.  Of course this is
done without protective gear beside electric power lines. 

Garbage collection in the canal.

Chinese couple in traditional wedding attire
on the way to a photo session. 

Modern outfits are the norm in old Suzhou street.

The ancient Sedan Chair proves very popular
with locals so "tis now chained to the tree. 

The modern electric scooter now
replaces the Sedan Chair. 

Some of the locals need time for a rest.

The silent electric motor scooters do emit
a loud beep when passing pedestrians.

Ni hao, Bao zhong.
Good day, Take care.

 

Sometimes busy sightseers need a rest.

Does this restaurant meet our relaxation needs?

Or will this restaurant do?

Or this restaurant?

YES!!! Beside the canal. Outdoor seclusion.
Comfy chairs. And great coffee!