"CHINA AS MY GRANDFATHER SAW IT" China by dutch_anna

China Travel Guide: 29,467 reviews and 82,907 photos

Peking 1906

Peking, View from the Chienmen Gate to the Kaiserstreet. Dated 5th april 1906.

No, I have never been in China. But my grandfather was there in the beginning of the 20th century. For his work he had something to do with building bridges and he was in South America, South Africa, Russia and China. He came from a Dutch village, where every man was used to long travels, especially for dredging operations all over the world. The engagement of my grandparents lasted more than ten years. After their marriage in 1901 he made a few trips, but after his long stay in China in 1906 and 1907 they decided that he had to have an other job, to see his children grow up. And I can not remember that he ever traveled again, except for a short boat trip on the Rhine.
In China he built a bridge over the Yellow River, the YangTseKiang. And for the child I was those words "China" and Yellow River", or, in Dutch: "Gele Rivier", were magic. China could not be a country like any other one, it was mysterious. I even thought that the colors there were different. Yellow River.
My grandfather didn't tell much about his travels. He died before I was really interested. But I have a collection of the postcards he bought for his little daughters, my mother and her sister.
Almost a century ago the people on these pictures were busy with their life, their work, or just standing on a streetcorner.
For me it is still magic.

more postcards in the travelogues

Intro Updated Sep 3, 2003
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Comments (34)

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alza Aug 13, 2003 at 10:25 AM

interesting 1910 map! always a favourite, this page. tks Anna :-)
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nepalgoods Oct 23, 2002 at 1:36 AM

I am sooo happy, that your pages are back again, because they are very special! Thanks!
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tini58de Aug 9, 2002 at 4:45 AM

a very unusual page - fantastic job, Anna!
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husain Apr 30, 2002 at 6:10 AM

interesting peking pics
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mocneto Apr 25, 2002 at 2:07 AM

Great pictures!
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socrates_07 Apr 19, 2002 at 12:38 AM

A great page of my favorite country! Xiè xie!
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Geoff_Wright Feb 22, 2002 at 7:54 AM

What delightful pages. Unique pictures. Thank you
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MacKiwi Jan 14, 2002 at 6:20 AM

THis is a very moving page. Thanks. d
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kenHuocj Jan 6, 2002 at 6:18 AM

Gevolg my Sjieneese orrsprong, n geestlike indrukkende blad!
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ATLC Jan 1, 2002 at 5:10 AM

lovely and very personal page