http://thenewstalkers.com/feed/group_discuss Mon, 09 Nov 2026 14:58:51 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/27095/a-floral-spectacle-unfolds-in-autumn-guangdong http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/27095 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 01:38:47 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26574/cliff-hugging-road-drives-tourism-to-remote-village http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26574 Fri, 10 Jul 2026 01:01:42 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26458/barbados-beautiful-beaches-gardens-mansions http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26458 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 23:28:33 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26420/when-is-dragon-boat-festival-2026-history-food-and-traditions http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26420 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:21:58 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26419/when-is-dragon-boat-festival-2026-history-food-and-traditions http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26419 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 03:11:15 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26388/luxembourg-intl-dragon-boat-festival-boosts-china-eu-cultural-ties http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26388 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 23:20:24 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26361/classical-festival-dumplings-embrace-new-flavors-and-forms http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26361 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 22:59:15 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26331/these-munchies-are-worth-the-calories http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26331 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 21:52:52 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26276/images-capture-timeless-beauty-of-wooden-covered-bridges-in-zhejiang-fujian http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26276 Sat, 30 May 2026 00:46:50 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26239/a-visual-journey-through-chinas-eight-culinary-traditions http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26239 Sat, 23 May 2026 21:12:15 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26189/temple-of-heaven-the-enduring-architectural-heart-of-beijing http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26189 Thu, 14 May 2026 22:58:32 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26026/2026-shanghai-international-flower-shows-pudong-qiantan-venue-to-open-in-april http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26026 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:40:04 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26010/tradition-goes-trendy http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/26010 ]]> Sat, 11 Apr 2026 19:51:04 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25950/colorful-sunsets-glow-hits-the-great-wall http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25950 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:58:58 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25900/yangshuo-karst-landforms-guangxi-chinadailycomcn http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25900 Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:04:25 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25886/21-incredible-things-to-do-in-toronto http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25886 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:11:38 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25848/sanya-dragon-king-folk-custom-event-celebrates-maritime-heritage http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25848 Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:07:11 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25796/a-place-made-of-jewels-art-and-frost http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25796 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 22:57:16 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25725/the-allure-of-a-frozen-frontier http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25725 Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:40:28 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25671/thousands-of-cherry-blossoms-bloom-in-chongqing-drawing-visitors http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25671 Sat, 28 Feb 2026 20:14:11 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25574/explore-xian-must-visit-historical-cultural-landmarks http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25574 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:26:48 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25538/a-guide-to-the-maritimes-possibly-canadas-best-kept-secret http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25538 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:35:16 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25492/chinas-ten-great-ancient-capitals http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25492 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 00:58:08 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25482/ten-photos-from-across-china-jan-23-29 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25482 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:44:26 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25433/zigong-lantern-festival-lights-up http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25433 Mon, 26 Jan 2026 02:44:41 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25386/images-pf-greenland-chosen-from-the-internet http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25386 Although I now prefer a warmer place to live, when I was much younger I lived where winters that welcomed snow and ice lasted about 5 months, from mid-November to mid-April, and I loved it.  However, as you will see from these photos, there is much beauty in Greenland.

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]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:38:45 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25367/beyond-crop-circles-9-intriguing-and-unexplained-geoglyphs http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25367 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:26:46 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25299/china-welcomes-new-year-in-style http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25299 Fri, 02 Jan 2026 21:57:51 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25273/the-best-places-in-the-us-to-celebrate-new-years-eve http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25273 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:09:04 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25236/admire-the-snow-covered-beauty-of-southern-china http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25236 Sun, 21 Dec 2025 03:29:54 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25214/harbin-ice-and-snow-world-opens-with-expanded-park http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25214 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:58:25 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25191/thrills-designed-for-wimps-make-giant-leap-in-tourism-industry http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25191 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:03:48 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25174/ten-photos-from-across-china-dec-5-11 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25174 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:12:08 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25104/12-unique-places-in-the-world-for-your-bucket-list-2025 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25104 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:52:23 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25019/hidden-behind-the-halls-of-royalty http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/25019 Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:52:26 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24978/poetic-autumn-scenery-unveiled-at-99-dragon-pools-in-yunnan http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24978 Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:56:58 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24908/bird-watching-festival-in-yunnan-unveils-new-avian-discoveries http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24908 Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:31:27 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24890/full-moon-through-lenses-across-china http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24890 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:31:07 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24848/10-amazing-island-cities-around-the-world http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24848 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 08:54:39 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24783/vibrant-autumn-colors-attract-tourists-to-changchun-park http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24783 Sat, 25 Oct 2025 04:21:51 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24777/ten-photos-from-across-china-oct-17-23 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24777 Fri, 24 Oct 2025 00:12:17 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24701/ten-photos-from-across-china-oct-10-16 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24701 Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:16:36 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24659/palace-museum-a-century-through-the-lens-of-time http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24659 Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:34:11 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24584/people-spend-leisure-time-during-eight-day-holiday-in-china http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24584 Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:14:34 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24535/one-hundred-years-of-fortitude http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24535 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 02:40:04 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24387/ten-photos-from-across-china-sept-5-sept-11 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24387 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:05:23 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24343/dream-of-xitang-sets-sail-for-night-parade http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24343 Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:40:15 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24286/walk-in-the-mists-of-time http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24286 Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:58:05 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24270/ten-photos-from-across-china-aug-22-28 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24270 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:56:31 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24201/the-ultimate-list-of-the-best-beaches-in-eleuthera http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24201 Sun, 24 Aug 2025 05:31:53 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24183/aerial-photos-uncover-unique-side-of-familiar-landscapes http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24183 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 07:49:43 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24095/the-world-is-a-book-and-those-who-do-not-travel-read-only-one-page http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/24095 Thu, 14 Aug 2025 00:42:26 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23992/an-ancient-chinese-tourist-town-with-a-confucius-school http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23992 Come along with Fen and me and explore what you mignt not ever see in person.
The gate to the village

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Selling products outside the stores as well as inside

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Sculptured art

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Need a couple of Fu Dons to protect your home?
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How about a happy fat Buddha, in case you happen to be a Buddhist?

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There is no shortage of urns in China.

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Let's see what's inside the stores.

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Oooops!  Disturbed the owner's lunchtime.

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Garden decor

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Does anyone want a headless Buddha?

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A toy for the kids?

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I think of this as a really tasteful display.

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Unfortunately you're not able to do any shopping in those stores.

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Ah, but now to the Confuckus School Museum, a massive gate.



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Nobody leaves THIS school.

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Great windows.

Hope you enjoyed the trip.

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]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2025 23:00:25 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23936/china-in-pictures-beautiful-places-to-photograph http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23936 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:53:41 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23916/a-park-in-sichuan-province http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23916 The first thing we saw was this guy fishiing.

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The walkways are decorated.

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Flowers beside the walkway.

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Ladies like to dance to the music.

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Usually the signs are also in English

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And I didn't bring any fishing equipment.

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There was a temple.

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And a pagoda.

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A crooked bridge

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We never expected to see that.

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And that's all, folks.

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Movie posters

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Contemporary electronics

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An early Femme Fatale

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An early movie theatre

]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2025 23:10:53 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23806/travel-with-buzz-and-fen http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23806 Come on a day trip with Fen and me,

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The main gate

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We're welcomed by The Monkey King and Panda

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The 2 monkeys

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Enter the village

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The city walls become a sculptor's creation

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Souvenirs aplenty

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For a quick snack

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A fantastic way to rest your feet - immerse them in water with minnows. 

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In Sichuan Province, Panda rules.

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In the distance, a magnificent pagoda as we say farewell and head back home

Hope you enjoyed travelling with Fen and me.
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]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2025 22:46:25 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23766/panda-themed-monorail-train-adds-to-citys-magic http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23766 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 22:17:28 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23750/zhangjiajie-in-all-its-glory http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23750 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 07:14:48 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23719/a-rare-sight-full-circular-rainbow-captured-in-qinghai http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23719 Fri, 04 Jul 2025 23:00:54 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23417/paddle-through-time-with-yuanxi-unveiling-dragon-boat-festival-traditions http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23417 Sat, 31 May 2025 07:09:22 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23373/ten-photos-from-across-china-may-16-22 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23373 Fri, 23 May 2025 21:52:48 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23275/vibrant-snapshots-of-china-during-labor-day-holiday http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23275 Fri, 02 May 2025 22:58:38 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23250/destination-from-history-to-treasure http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23250 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 00:19:23 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23230/ten-photos-from-across-china-april-18-24 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23230 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:19:58 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23113/the-ultimate-geography-quiz http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23113 NAME THE COUNTRY THAT THE CLUE REPRESENTS.  Last time I saw that a couple of members named the same country twice, which is a mistake, because EVERY QUESTION IS FOR A DIFFERENT COUNTRY - THERE ARE NO DUPLICATIONS. 
14 tried the last quiz, 11 the one before.  Let's see if we can increase that number cause this will be the last Geography Quiz.  From now on my focus will be on my Movie Games.  Some of you already play the games, and to those who don't, if you can do this quiz you'll do well on the games, and have fun playing. 
In this quiz the clues could be a structure, an item, a custom, tradition, person or symbol that the country is known for.
Send your answers in a PN to me, Buzz of the Orient, and I will send you a PN with your score and any corrections.  Because I'm on the other side of the world of most of you, I may be asleep when you PN your answers to me, but I will get to them when I wake up.  If you do not get an answer within 24 hours there may have been a glitch in the NT system, so get back to me again. 
PLEASE do not put your answers in a comment here, nor should you post any kind of hint, since it will ruin this game for everyone else, and I will delete it as soon as I see it.
This game will close and the Winners' Circle will be announced Monday evening March 31st at about 11 p.m. New York City time.
Please provide your answers with the same numbers as the questions.
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]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:39:00 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23091/guess-the-country http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23091 Eleven NT members tried the previous geography test, let's see if all of you, and more, will be able to answer this one.  The biggest difference from the 1st one is that there is no alphabetical list of answers, so you will have to come up with them yourself.  Some will be really easy, some will be harder and a test of your general knowledge, so it is more of a test than the game the last one was. 
This time the clues could be a structure, an item, a custom, tradition or symbol that the country is known for.
Send your answers in a PN to me, Buzz of the Orient, and I will send you a PN with your score and any corrections.  If you do not get an answer within 24 hours there may have been a glitch in the NT system, so get back to me again. 
Last time I had some trouble with this but this time I will show no mercy.  Do not put your answers in a comment here, nor should you post any kind of hint, since it will ruin this game for everyone else, and I will delete it immediately.
This game will close and the winners' circle will be announced Monday evening March 24th at 10 p.m. New York City time.
Please provide your answers with the same numbers as the questions.
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]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:16:51 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23053/a-simple-geography-test-for-nt-members http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/23053
Get your brain out of politics for a few minutes and have a little fun meeting a simple challenge.

Here, in alphabetical order, is a list of 20 world cities. 
Athens
Barcelona
Beijing 
Boston
Cairo
Casablanca
Copenhagen
Dubai
Jerusalem
London
Moscow
New York City
Paris
Pisa
Rio de Janiero
Rome
San Francisco
Singapore
Sydney
Toronto
Now you will see below a series of 20 numbered images.  Each of the images is of something important contructed located in one of the cities (in one case as in a movie).  All you have to do is send me, Buzz of the Orient, in a PN your list of the cities with the numbers of the images that correspond with them. . 
As an example, suppose a city named on the list were Washington DC, and one of the images was of The White House, and that image was numbered 9.  You would write the number 9 beside the word Washington DC on the list of cities that you send me in a PN.  Please do not write your answers or any kind of a hint in a comment below.
Remember that I am on the other side of the world of most of you and I could be asleep when you send the answers, but I will soon get around to seeing them and scoring them for you, along with what the correct answers are if you miss any.  Remember, I don't deduct score for wrong answers, so even if you're not sure, guess. 
Now, enjoy this opportunity for a little distraction, and have some fun.
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]]> Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:43:42 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22957/ciqikou-ancient-town-in-chongqing http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22957 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:45:51 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22896/photos-that-show-petra-is-the-worlds-most-breathtaking-ancient-ruin http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22896 Sat, 15 Feb 2025 07:58:56 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22865/lighting-ceremony-of-39th-qinhuai-lantern-festival-held-in-nanjing http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22865 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:08:25 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22849/rime-blankets-guidong-mountains-in-breathtaking-winter-scene http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22849 Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:27:04 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22792/spring-festival-in-three-minutes http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22792 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:54:30 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22737/can-spring-be-far-behind http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22737 Sun, 26 Jan 2025 22:15:33 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22706/ten-photos-from-across-china-jan-17-23 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22706 Thu, 23 Jan 2025 21:07:42 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22662/various-activities-held-across-china-to-welcome-upcoming-spring-festival http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22662 Sat, 18 Jan 2025 22:22:06 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22644/ten-photos-from-across-china-jan-10-16 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22644 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:29:22 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22620/landscape-reveals-its-captivating-beauty http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22620 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 22:05:32 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22595/sunrise-sunset http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22595 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:59:53 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22538/yuyuan-garden-lights-up-with-year-of-the-snake-lantern-installations http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22538 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 21:33:59 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22515/2024-with-yuanxi-showcasing-the-enduring-charm-of-chinese-culture http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22515 Mon, 30 Dec 2024 23:03:18 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22490/xian-terracotta-wariors-and-more http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22490
It was during my first year teaching English at a private high school in the Zhengzhou area of China, and during that year the school took the foreign teachers on weekend trips to various ancient heritage sites, one of which was the ancient City of Xi'an, a city that had served as the imperial capital for ten ancient imperial dynasties and a number of regional kingdoms.
The Terracotta Army was created by China's first emperor,  Qin Shi Huang , who began the construction of the army in 246 BC after he (then aged 13) ascended the throne. It was an afterlife army for Emperor Qin. It was believed that objects like statues can be animated in the afterlife.

LINK -> www.chinahighlights.com/xian/terracotta-army/terra-cotta-warriors-facts.htm
1.  The traders from the west travelled along The Silk Road to Xi'an (the Wild Goose Pagoda)

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2.  The Wild Goose Pagoda (in the mist)

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3.  First of all we must pass through the Great Wall of Xi'an.

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4.  The streets of Xi'an (1)

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5.  The streets of Xi'an (2)

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6.  The Terracotta Warriors, a/k/a The Terracotta Army
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7.  Horses as well

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7 (a).  Ooops, missed posting this sign.


8.  As there are in other ancient Chinese cities, there are two towers.  The first being The Drum Tower

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9.  Buzz the wannabe musician

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10.  Inside The Drum Tower, a drum museum 

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11.  Could this be called a "barrel drum"?

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12.  The other tower, The Bell Tower.  I didn't try to ring it.

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13.  Inside, works of art - 3-dimensional sculpted paintings

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14.  Another

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15.  Apparently this is considered a form of ceramic art.

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16.  The artist himself.

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16 (a).  Ooops. I forgot to post his masterpiece.

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17.  Shadow puppets - a traditional entertainment, sort of like a puppet show.  Actually I saw a shadow puppet show many years ago put on at the Beers Family Fox Hollow Festival, but of course the puppets were Americana, not Chinese.

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18.  An explanation of the Shadow Puppets

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19.  An artistic door that depicts history

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20.  The label on the door

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Except for the Silk Road map and the photo of me banging the drum *not softly", all photos were taken by me.  Hope you enjoyed the tour.   ]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2024 23:34:33 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22472/palace-of-nyuwa-handan http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22472 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 19:30:34 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22456/worlds-largest-ice-and-snow-theme-park-opens-on-winter-solstice-in-chinas-city-of-ice http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22456 Sat, 21 Dec 2024 23:14:22 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22449/island-of-duty-stands-firm http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22449 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:34:43 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22434/climb-the-sacred-buddhist-mount-emei-with-fen-and-buzz http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22434 When we lived in Chengdu, in Sichuan Province, for a year we toured many ancient villages and places of historic interest, one of which was to climb the holy Mount Emei.  On the way there we were driven through a mountainous area:

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We stayed overnight in this hotel in order to get an early start to the climb in the morning.

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From there we could see the cloud-covered Mount Emei.

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We start out in the morning by passing though this gate.

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We pass by a map of the mountain.  It was bilingual as is much in China, Chinese and English.

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Another sign, about the mountain.

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For those for whom the climb is too much, for a token these guys will carry you up in a chair.

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It appears that the steps have been around for a long time.

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We go part way up in a cable car.

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Up up and away, above the clouds.

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Incredible views.

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WE embark and see this - I hadn't known there would be monkeys there.

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Apparently, we need to be careful with the monkeys.

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And yes, there WERE monkeys right beside us.

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They come right up to the people, and you have to be careful cause they can grab your bag and run off.


Another peak is in the near distance.

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A monumental pagoda-type temple on a peak beside ours that we see on continuing our way upwards.

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And far in the distance, using my 600 mm telephoto lens, could these be the snow-capped Himalayas? 

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Now we're at (almost) the top of our peak, but at this point we've peaked. 

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But we could look up to the top, through the mist, and Fen could light her incense at the steps where you can see smoke rising.

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Smallest monkey I've ever seen. LOL

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Looking down, lots of people on this trek heading back down 

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What would a scenic spot be without merchants selling souvenirs?

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Take a stuffed panda home to your grandchild.

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Back to the cable car and fantastic views.

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Back to the car, and goodbye to the mountain.

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]]> Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:01:12 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22397/come-with-fen-and-me-to-see-the-giant-buddha-of-leshan http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22397


"Sitting on the confluence of three rivers in Leshan, the 71-meter-high Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest Maitreya Buddha statue carved out of a cliff in the world. Ancient wisdom and religious faith of Buddhism created the giant and magnificent cultural treasure, and now is world-known as an amazing UNESCO Natural & Cultural Heritage property in Leshan, nearby Chengdu."



LINK-> Leshan Giant Buddha - Biggest Buddha in the World, Leshan Grand Buddha
On the steps to the top

Across the way, the confluence of rivers, muddy and clear, and the city of Leshan

Embedded in the rock face beside the steps up, a small Buddha

We passed a spring spouting from the head of a beast

While still climbing the stairs, a dragon greets us

Another beast in the wall

Another Buddha in the wall beside the steps

Now we're reaching the top - candles to be lit outside the temple

And in the temple

And these were really strange

Amazingly beautiful

And finally we're getting to see the Giant Buddha

Our first sight of its head

Walking around we get to see more

We walk to the other side for a different view

The winding staircase down to the base - we decide not to take it because we'd have to climb back up it.

A huge bell that didn't toll for us

The way out

Hope you enjoyed accompanying us on our tour. ]]> Sat, 14 Dec 2024 08:58:09 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22394/5-exceptional-features-of-notre-dame-de-paris http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22394 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 21:22:52 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22325/ancient-gingko-tree-grows-more-beautiful-with-age http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22325 Sat, 07 Dec 2024 19:53:26 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22296/some-romantic-places-in-the-world http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22296 Tue, 03 Dec 2024 21:09:39 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22283/a-city-of-wonder-to-wander http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22283 Sun, 01 Dec 2024 22:19:00 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22205/photo-exhibition-brings-beautiful-china-to-world http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22205 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:04:11 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22168/looking-to-escape-politics-for-the-next-4-years-this-cruise-has-you-covered-national-globalnewsca http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/22168 Thu, 14 Nov 2024 19:17:06 -0500 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21874/living-in-china-see-jilins-kaleidoscopic-autumn-beauty-in-pictures http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21874 Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:18:14 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21480/ancient-sites-in-shanxis-datong-enthrall-with-rich-history http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21480 Sat, 31 Aug 2024 05:53:14 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21396/city-view-of-chongqing-sw-china http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21396 Fri, 23 Aug 2024 06:59:59 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21159/xitang-ancient-town-launches-night-tour-of-boat-parade http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21159 Sun, 28 Jul 2024 08:54:40 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21059/reflecting-on-the-pursuit-of-a-simpler-life http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/21059 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:40:52 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/20933/chongqing-1949-a-time-traveling-immersive-journey-into-heroic-tales http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/20933 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 04:39:19 -0400 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/20898/ten-photos-from-across-china-june-21-27 http://thenewstalkers.com/buzz-of-the-orient/group_discuss/20898 Sat, 29 Jun 2024 21:49:24 -0400