Another Successful Trip
Sky & Telescope Chile Observatory Trip
September 21st - 29th, 2011
ITINEARY 2009
We were successful on another eclipse trip China!. It wasn't easy as we had to take a flight the day before the eclipse from Hangzhou to Chungqing. It was a good move as we did see the total eclipse right on schedule. We were in the right place at the right time, thanks Fred. Following are some pictures of our excursion through China. We met old friends and created new friendships on our 9 days while we viewed the fantastic sites China has to offer. I hope you can join us on a future eclipse adventure!
REPORT FROM FRED ESPENAK ON THE 2009 TOTAL ECLIPSE
Day 1 - July 14 Depart from your home city.
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Day 2 - July 15 Today you will arrive in Beijing’s Capital International Airport (PEK) and will be transferred to our hotel for the night. This will give you time to catch up from your long flight and adjust to the time difference. Tonight we will stay at the hotel Tianlun Dynasty Hotel. (D) (If you have a late arrival today you might miss tonight’s dinner).
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Day 3 - July 16 The entire day will feature sightseeing in Beijing. In the morning we visit the Palace Museum, known as Forbidden City. We will also enjoy a walk around Tiananmen Square. After lunch, we visit the China National Planetarium and Ancient Astronomy Observatory. Tonight after dinner we will enjoy a Beijing Opera Show (acrobatic show). Tonight’s accommodations will be at the Tianlun Dynasty Hotel (B.L.D)
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Day 4 - July 17 Today we visit the Great Wall of China. Everyone will have the chance to walk on one of the greatest sites in China. Following lunch near the Great Wall we will visit the Ming Tombs where there are 13 emperors’ Mausoleums. Afterwards we drive back to downtown Beijing where we will visit Liulichang Street which has lots of antique and handcraft shops. This evening our dinner will be in the famous Peking Duck Restaurant. Tonight we stay again at the Tianlun Dynasty Hotel (B.L.D)
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Day 5 - July 18 Today after a morning visit to the Temple of Heaven, we will have an early lunch before boarding our flight from Beijing to Shanghai. After arriving in Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) we will take a 1 ½ hour drive to Suzhou which is a famous ancient town with more than 2,000 years of history. Tonight’s dinner will feature a delicious meal in the Huaiyang style. Tonight’s accommodations will be at the Suzhou Sheraton Hotel. (B.L.D)
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Day 6 - July 19 Today will be another busy day of sightseeing. We will visit Huqiu Hill Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Wangshi Garden (one of the most famous Chinese gardens), and the Silk Museum. Tonight we will stay again at the Suzhou Sheraton Hotel. (B.L.D)
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Day 7 - July 20 After breakfast, we will leave Suzhou and drive about 1 ½ hours to Hangzhou. This afternoon we will enjoy a sightseeing cruise on Xihu Lake (Western Lake). Tonight’s accommodations will be in either the Victoria Hotel or Lake View Hotel. (B.L.D)
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Day 8 - July 21 Our morning begins with visits to Linying Temple and Tea at Dragon Well. (Dragon Well Tea is the best tea in China). Following lunch we will drive 2 hours to Haiyan which is a small town by the sea and will be our site for the upcoming total solar eclipse. We will be staying right in the eclipse path, so you won’t have to transport you’re eclipse gear on eclipse day! After our dinner, Fred Espenak's keynote presentation will focus on what to expect at tomorrows total eclipse! This is always a highlight of our tours! You won't want to miss tonight! We will stay in a Haiyan hotel for this night (B.L.D)
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Day 9 - July 22 - ECLIPSE DAY! Today will be completely devoted to the total eclipse of the Sun. The roof of the hotel will serve as our preferred private eclipse viewing site. Following the eclipse, we will relax during a 2-hour drive back to Shanghai. Tonight we will stay in either the Jinjiang Hotel or New Jinjiang Hotel (B.L.D)
Local Times for Eclipse Phases (Approximate)
Partial Eclipse Begins: 08:22:30
Total Eclipse Begins: 09:35:27
Total Eclipse Ends: 09:41:17
Partial Eclipse Ends: 11:00:56
Duration of Totality: 5 min 50 sec (= 350 seconds)
Sun’s Altitude: 56°
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Day 10 - July 23 Today will feature sightseeing in Shanghai. Included on our itinerary are visits to Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Chenghuangmiao Bazaar and the Bond. Tonight we will gather for a farewell dinner and talk over our great adventure in China. Hotel Jinjiang Hotel or New Jinjiang Hotel (B,L,D)
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Day 11- July 24 Today we depart from Shanghai as we say good-bye to old and new friends and start thinking about the next total eclipse in 2010. Transfers to the airport included. (B)
PHOTO GALLERY
With over 20 years of astronomical tour experience Spears Travel has become one of the premier astronomy and eclipse trip providers. Great care is taken with every aspect of the tour to insure your safety and comfort. No surprises!
Spears Travel is leading the way in astronomy-related tours and we invite you to take a look at our current list of adventures and some photos from past trips. You won't want to miss our group astronomy travel!
Contact:
Tom Reynolds - treynolds@spearstravel.com
918-336-2360
918-337-3630 Fax
