At the Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is centrally located and best of all free. Yes, free! You can easily spend hours there viewing this impeccable collection.

Summer of China in Milwaukee

I went with a friend to the Milwaukee Museum of Art for their The Emperor's Private Paradise exhibit which features furnishings, sculptures, decorative arts and paintings from the Qing dynasty when Emperor Qianlong ruled (from 1736-1796).

We were able to join the noon time gallery talk which greatly enhanced the experience. I learned about this wise yet ruthless ruler, who presided over the largest country at it's zenith in terms of wealth and power. (Who knows what the future will bring?)

I also learned about the symbolism like the three friends of winter (bamboo, pine and plum trees) and how the Chinese painters learned to do trompe l'oeil from the Jesuits who went to China in the 18th Century. The gallery itself had life size photos on the walls of the gardens and buildings in which the articles were kept so that you really felt you were in the Forbidden Palace.

I wish I could have taken some photos, but that's forbidden.

Great Freebies

Who doesn't like saving money? Travel can be expensive, though we live in an era where it's remarkably affordable.

Lonely Planet, guide publisher extraordinaire has created a list of the world’s best free attractions:

The Kensington High Street Roof Gardens, London. Keep in mind its popularity means it’s frequently closed for special events, this spectacular set of gardens covers 1.5 acres.

Outdoor Art, Buenos Aires: Buenos Aires has a number of distinctive neighborhoods, famous for public art. Besides the well-known La Boca, Caminito and Calle Lanín areas, Buenos Aires’ official tourism site offers downloadable maps and itineraries to help you find more.

St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican. One of the planet’s most significant Catholic sites, St Peter’s Basilica can also hold 60,000 people – making it the largest interior of any Christian church in the world. And for art buffs, it contains works by Michelangelo, Raphael and Bramante, among many others.

US Capitol, Washington DC. A tour is usually free, and The U.S. Capitol is no exception. Be on the lookout for statues of famous residents, plus some stunning alabaster architecture.

Smithsonian, Washington DC. The world’s largest museum and research complex is home to a series of free attractions, including the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the National Zoological Park.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris (Notre Dame), Paris. One of the world’s famous sites, Notre Dame took over 200 years to build. Free English language tours run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2pm and Saturdays at 2:30pm. Extra Paris freebie: if you’re in the neighborhood after 6pm on Fridays, or on the first Sunday of the month (or you can prove that you’re under 26 years old), cross the river and avail yourself of the free entry to the mammoth Louvre Museum.

Source: “What are the world’s best free attractions? Lonely Planet, June 2, 2011. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/north-america/travel-tips-and-articles/76674?affil=lpemail