So...where did you go, what was good and what wasn't?

Me - Xiamen
For how long - four days
Good - the least crowded place I have ever been in China (out of 15 or so cities), the best environment (lakes, beaches, parks, air quality), interesting temples and good city just to walk around. Some good western restaurants and coffee shops, I guess Chinese seafood would be good there also although I didn't sample.
Bad - Gulangyu was average. Colonial buildings there were nothing special compared to what can be seen in SH.
Recommend or not - well I will be going back.

SC3

1. So...where did you go?
Shanghai, office.

2. What was good?
- so much less traffic in almost empty streets (well, kind of)
- not a soul at the office either most of the time. Peace, finally.
- not so many people in other offices also... Did I say peace already? Felt like pre-holidays...
- ... leaving tomorrow afternoon

3. What wasn't good?
I'll have to think about this.



b.

1. Where: Stayed in Shanghai
2. Good: Spent a lot of time with my family, spending a lot of money the healthy way
3. Bad: Hadn't touch any alcohol

This is the first time my family and I are staying in Shanghai for the whole holidays. I must say staying in Shanghai is not bad at all, e.g. less traffic, less people (at least Yuyuan & Xintiandi were quite empty), no need to make booking for dinners, etc.

1. Where : Stayed in Shanghai due to lack of knowledge that one needs to book 2 months ahead for an overseas holiday. Went to ZhouZhuang for a day trip.
2. Good : Relaxed without the travelling costs. Enjoyed Shanghai minus the usual traffic and crowd in the restaurants. ZhouZhuang was nice and interesting. A bit expensive at rmb 100 for the entrance (there were 7 of us). And too crowded of course.
3. Bad : NEED TO GET OUT OF SHANGHAI BADLY. The last time was CNY holidays.

Pardon my ignorance but what and where is ZhouZhuang?

I did not know it either.
http://www.mariesworldtour.com/entries/0417.html

Me - Railay Bay, Thailand
For how long - 10 days
Good - Beaches (Phra Nang Bay, Railay West) were empty. Maybe 20 people on each except at sunset when the parties and beach sports were happening. Rock climbing was superb. Diving/snorkeling was nice too with great visibility. Met some friendly travllers that hopefully, I will be in touch with for awhile. $12/day for a private deluxe bungalow with A/C, cable TV, and a pool. Nightly seaside barbecues were good. Nightly Rasta parties at Gecko Bar was good. Though some of my fondest memories undoubtedly went up in smoke.
Bad - Unseasonably hot. Unbearably hot. Supposedly the hottest Thailand has been in 30 years. Ocean water was too hot to be refreshing. Sand was too hot to walk on. Bars didnt open until 3PM (but beer was available 24/7). Food/drink/internet was much more expensive than Bangkok and almost every other place Ive visited in Thailand.
Recommend or not - Highly recommended

BC

^ thanks 4 that, i feel so much better about my otherwise ok travails round china now...............