Chronicles of China — September 7, 2014

Chronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventure

That white backwards “L” you see on the right side of my head is actually the wall as it stretches out up the mountain and makes a left turn.

Today I went to see the Great Wall in Mutianyu which is about an hour outside of Beijing from where I’m staying. Lucky for me, I have my own personal driver since getting to many of these locations are mind boggling.

It was a little rainy today when we headed out to the Great Wall and I figure that’ll be great since it’ll give the wall a “misty foggy” appearance. As I’m asking the driver for an umbrella, he looks at me like I sprouted two heads since w

e already know, we can’t understand each other. But I am learning, so I said da yu (4th tone on the “u”) which means heavy rain or literally translated—big rain. He smiled, opened the trunk and showed me two big umbrellas. Now we’re both smiling.

As we’re driving to the Great Wall, I notice the traffic lights have a countdown to let the driver know when it’ll change. I also discovered that when there’s a traffic jam, drivers will drive on the shoulder or emergency lane to bypass the traffic. I started laughing when I saw a bus zooming by on the emergency lane. Apparently many people do it; kind of like we cut in front of the line at exit ramps when we can.

Mutianyu Great Wall was amazing and also quite a challenge to traverse and

Chronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventure

Courtesy of one of the postcards purchased. Full copyrights belong to them but I can’t figure out how to read the Chinese info.

that’s just getting up to where the bus picks you up so you can take the cable car up the mountain. You can walk up the mountain to the Great Wall, it’s about a three mile hike, all up hill. Hell, I was winded just going up the first half mile. And they’re still building up the complex so you can appreciate the Great Wall even more. They’re building a stoned pathway up the mile to where you’d take the bus to the cable cars. And of course, there are shops lined up all along the corridor.

Chronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventureSome of the sellers can be very pushy and will actually try to trap you in their vending area. It happened to me. One lady lured me with a nice blouse then she wouldn’t let me leave—I mean that literally. She actually grabbed my arm and wouldn’t let me walk away from her when I told her I didn’t want the blouse she offered and the price was too high. She demanded I counter her offer. I thought that if I merely stated a really low price she’d let the matter go. She didn’t. She wanted 680 RMB (or yuan—Chinese currency) and I offered 100 RMB. She tried to negotiate with me despite me politely refusing. She even yelled at my driver when he tried to intervene. It got to where I had to push her a bit to get her out of my personal space and adamantly told her “NO!” and walked off. She actually pursued me further down the walk and offered the same blouse to me for 50 RMB. I took the blouse and paid just so I could get rid of her. Of course, she again yelled at my driver once more before we could get away from her.

Another merchant was more fun and thought I loved his stone edging portrait,Chronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventure he wanted more than I was willing to pay; 680 RMB. That’s approximately $125. (As I re-read my comments here, I see the prices were the same. I wonder, if they all choose the same price?) We haggled a bit and it was fun. He was so animated with his haggling. He was like the people you see on TV in those bad Chinese movies. He’d throw his hands up in the air and declare, “No. No that’s too low. You’re killing me.” Then he’d run his finger along his throat as if cutting it. I did want the piece, it was beautiful but when he refused my offer of $50, I walked away. I did get a picture though.

Chronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventureOk so now about walking the Great Wall…here’s my thought…if I had to run from one tower to the next…well, it’s just not happening. It’s like a 3-mile hike from our tower #14 to the next one and as I’m looking at all the steps, I figure…nope I’m just sitting down now. You need months on a stair master to walk this thing. It’s not so hard going down, but coming back up…aaaaaah. Ganghis Kong would have had no resistance from me. I would just stand aside and see how well he could climb that wall. Laughs.

I must say, the experience of standing among the Great Wall was humbling. To know of it and read about it just doesn’t compare to actually walking it’s stones and staring out to see the wall stretch out for miles winding its way up the mountain sides. The word majestic comes to mind. Never used that word before to describe an experience but yeah…the Great Wall of Mutianyu was definitely majestic! And to think, this was just one section of it.

We finally stopped for lunch at 3:30 pm at a side café along the highway on ourChronicles of China, Charley Ferrer, sensual health, travel adventure way back. It was a great little café. The really cool part was that you literally fished for your meal (if you ordered fish.) They had a fish pond and you stood there with a bamboo pool with a fishing line (no reel or anything fancy) and you fished. Then a guy would help you pull it in with his net and he’d cook it up for you right there. The kids loved it. I loved watching everyone. And the food was extraordinary. I just told the man what I wanted and he brought me the most amazing dishes. There was plenty to take home for dinner.

Tomorrow I’m heading for the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple. Plus, I want to go to the Shard Box Store they mentioned in the Fordor’s guide to China. It’s a place that “makes jewelry boxes fashioned from the shards of antique porcelain which were smashed during the Cultural Revolution in accordance to the law.” That’s an amazing thing don’t you think.

How someone destroys a “symbol” to make themselves feel invincible is beyond me. Much like the Christians did to the Sphinx and many of the Egyptian statues; they bore holes into the faces for those they couldn’t destroy completely. But that’s another story and a different adventure. You’ll have to ask me about it sometime. That was a spectacular moment in my life and my son got to share it with me. I’ll leave it at, my son and I were the first mother and child to enter the Great Pyramid for the new millennium; for 1000 years, no one else will be able to claim that honor.

Okay, I’m tired and off to bed so I can be well rested for tomorrow’s trip.

Live with passion,

Doctor Charley…

Chronicles of China

September 6, 2014

I’ll start by saying I’m not much of a blogger. I don’t sit around and chronicle my life, I merely live it and build memories. I tend to take a few pictures of places I go. It’s more about the experience for me. Thus, bear with me as I try to change that pattern and chronicle this momentous occasion of traveling to China to teach women sexual health and empowerment.

I left New York City on September 5 at 11:15am and flew to Guangzhou. I was thrilled by the fact that I’m flying business class. I actually got one of those chairs that turns into a bed. It was so comfortable. I felt so refreshed by the time I arrived Guangzhou despite it being a 15-hour flight. Plus, I did a lot of work while on the plane as well. I loved that they provided you with little slippers to use while on the plane and a very warm blanket and soft pillow. There were also bags for my shoes, a shoe horn (which I’ve been looking for for months) and toiletries such as toothbrush & toothpaste, a comb, and moisturizer. Plus, the steward came by often to ensure I was doing well. If you can afford it or have your boss pay for it, definitely fly business. If you’re this pampered in business, imagine what First Class would be like!

I continued my trip from Guangzhou to Beijing as I’m heading to see the Forbidden City and then the Great Wall as a small vacation treat for myself in reward for putting on the BDSM Writers Con in August, before I head back to Guangzhou and conduct a few workshops. Tracy, one of the ladies I’m working with, provided me with a personal driver. Unfortunately my interpreter isn’t available until Tuesday (it’s Sunday) so Mr. Chen and I have been smiling and pointing and trying to communicate as best we can. (I’m only on lesson 12 in Chinese. Smiles.)

Today and tomorrow is a Harvest Festival in Beijing and thus everything will be crowded but that’s ok, we’re going to do some of less touristy things and start with the Great Wall in Mu Tian Yu. (Which was on my list to see.) Afterward, we’ll head to the Lama Temple which is where they have the Love Buddha –ok, you know I had to go see that. And we’ll end the day at the Confucius Temple or go to the Silk Alley Shops. Not sure which. I’m not much for “shopping”. I love architecture and history. Will ensure to take lots of pictures.

Oh before I forget, here’s some quaint stuff about the differences in China. When you enter your hotel room, you have to place the electronic key in the slot on the wall. If not, the lights will not work. When you leave, you take the key with you—otherwise you won’t be able to get back in your room. Chuckles. The toilets are low flushing unless you hold them down for a while. And of course you must remember to get a plug adapter if you wish to charge your computer…I remembered the adapter for the IPhone, I didn’t remember one for the computer. Also, you have to get used to the internet delays. It’s very slow here. It’s like having dial up. So you want to have everything typed beforehand so you can upload quickly.

Well, my driver will be here in about 5-minutes so I’m writing this quickly. The day is overcast and foggy which will make for a wonderful view of the Great Wall in Mu Tian Yu as that’s up in the mountains and unlike the Great Wall closer to Beijing, this one has an older more quaint atmosphere I’m told. I will definitely take pictures.

More soon.

Live with passion,

Doctor Charley…

We have worms in rear

Doctor Charley Ferrer, BDSM Writers Con, bondage, fetishes, kink, sex, romance

Another one of those wonderful signs.

This one was posted by author Janice Greenlee on her facebook page.

Makes you wonder if the person setting up the sign realized what it implied or if he posted it to get back at the boss? Then again, they have worms in the rear…that says it all.

BDSM? Erotic Play? Learn the Social & Legal Issue

Captured Nick-1 (2)Join the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) and world-renowned Clinical Sexologist, Dr. Charley Ferrer to discuss how and why antiquated sex laws continue to be used to discriminate against sexual, ethnic and gender minorities. The panel will focus on various forms of alternative sexuality, with a particular focus on criminal prosecution of consensual BDSM.

This interactive discussion will review changing societal mores, recent favorable changes in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) of the American Psychiatric Association and the current state of the law.

NCSF will discuss its Consent Counts program to decriminalize consensual BDSM and the group will discuss the issue of consent and practical ways to minimize risks and expand boundaries without violating consent. Attendees will gain an understanding of the legal and social risks facing practitioners of consensual non-traditional sexuality.

When:  May 19, 2014

Where:  Arizona Power Exchange (APEX)

4006 S 23rd St., Suite 11, Phoenix, Arizona 85040

Admission:  $6 for Pay Per Event Members, FREE for All Access Members

**Open to 18+ Community – Non-Members Must bring valid photo ID**

 

About our presenters:

Dr  Charley Ferrer --SexyCharley Ferrer is a world renowned Clinical Sexologist and BDSM Expert. She is the award winning author of BDSM The Naked Truth and thirteen other books on sexuality and self-empowerment. Doctor Charley lectures throughout the US, Latin America and China advocating for sexual health and sensual awakening. She is the founder of BDSM Writers Con which provides education on dominance and submission to writers and readers. Her charismatic approach has made her a highly sought after Sex Expert for various newspapers and magazines including The NY Times, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Forum just to name a few. Doctor Charley combines ancient sensual wisdom with modern values and education creating a unique Zensual approach which has helped men and women throughout the world reclaim their sensual and sexual divinity.

Richard O. Cunningham, B.S., M.A., J.D., has advocated for over 30 years on issues of gender, race and sex.  He has played a leading role in landmark legal cases, including being the supervising attorney on the U.S. Supreme Court case to allow women in military academies and the initiating attorney for the lawsuit during the Vietnam War that resulted in the “Fairness Doctrine” to require balanced media coverage of political issues.  He is senior international trade pNCSF 150x300artner at Steptoe & Johnson, LLP in Washington, D.C.  He is the former Chair of the Boards of the NCSF Foundation and the Woodhull Freedom Foundation.  Dick is currently advising on legal and policy aspects of NCSF’s Consent Counts Project.

Judy Guerin is a well-known activist, writer, speaker and educator on issues of sexual freedom and gender expression.  She is also a long-time practitioner of BDSM and sex educator on BDSM activities.  She is a former board member of GenderPAC, the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, Forum 21 and the Black Rose.   She is a former steering committee member of the National Policy Roundtable of GLBTQ/HIV groups, former executive director of the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and advisor to the European Union Human Rights Commission on issues of sexual freedom and GLBTQ issues.  She currently directs NCSF’s Consent Counts Project to decriminalize consensual BDSM in the U.S.

 

The Arizona Power Exchange (APEX) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides education, social opportunities, and support for adults who are interested in Bondage and Discipline; Dominance and Submission; and Sadomasochism (BDSM) who value individual responsibility, integrity, confidentiality, and respect for self and others. APEX provides on-going forums for education and practice of BDSM and opportunities for like-minded individuals to socialize, explore and learn in a respectful and dignified environment. APEX welcomes all sexual orientations, consensual relationships, and risk-aware BDSM and sexual practices.

 

My son returns

I’m so pleased my sokyle 001n has returned home after his latest “walk about” in Europe for the past two and a half years.

Just love to hear all this stories and the differences between the US, England, Ireland and other places he’s been.

 

Here is one of my favorite picture of him visiting Buckingham Palace.

 

 

Burn Notice

This is one show I really love and have watched faithfully once I discovered it. I was looking forward to the 6th Season and love Netflix for bringing it home.

However, I have to say: “WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH FIONA’S EYEBROWS?”

Her eyebrows are so thick and long going into the bridge of nose it looks like she has a uni-brow. I’ll accept her goth hair but Bretta Butt eyebrows…never! Someone needs to get a new make-up artist on that show.

Live with passion

Dr. Charley…