Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Let's Look at Some Tech in China on This Week's Fast Five!

Like it or not, China is fast outrunning the rest of us on technology in daily life. They have things we could never imagine in today's world. They seem to be firmly implanted in the future, and here's a few of the things both now and to come.

1. Drone deliveries in Shanghai. They're happening in more than just Shanghai, but this is where I heard a story about coffee and tea. Apparently, drones are now delivering beverages and food to stands in parks, etc. where the customers place their order.

Long story short, you're out and about enjoying a park in Shanghai and get thirsty. There's a stand that kind of looks like a vending machine stand. You order something to drink on your phone through apps and QR codes; things like that. You can monitor your order, pay remotely, and in about an average of 15 minutes; your order lands. Saw it on a video. I was impressed. It's becoming far more common there and the locals seem to love it.

https://www.a2zdronedelivery.com/ground-zero-test-site

https://english.shyp.gov.cn/ywb/latest/20250331/477370.html

https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20240716/aeee3879a3384ffcac97496badc2c005.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44315984

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fv591_drone-delivery-tech-activity-7337752328210391040-cDh7/

2. Huawei. They have a flagship location in Shanghai and other locations around the country. This is where we meet the future. They have cars, phones, computers, drones and on and on. If it's tech, it's probably represented there.

Why do I mention this on a travel blog? Because, you can go and play with stuff. I recently saw a video of people learning about all the tech in the cars. It was amazing. They have cars that sense you so you don't have to open the door. They have cars with cameras and screens all over the inside; no mirrors. They have cars with makeshift theaters in the back seat. Of course they have cars that drive themselves. This is a great idea for a stop in Shanghai. So much to check out and so good for the budget; unless you buy something, that is.

https://www.huawei.com/en/media-center/multimedia/photos/facilities/shanghai-flagship-opening

https://consumer.huawei.com/en/community/details/topicId-114989/

https://www.studioszphoto.com/commissions-architectural-photography-china/huawei-flagship-taikoo-li-qiantian

https://www.archello.com/project/huawei-tkl-flagship-store

https://www.huaweicentral.com/huawei-opens-largest-and-most-beautiful-flagship-store-in-shanghai-china/

3. The Spacelab Restaurant, Shanghai. This one is a little hokey, but they have these in the cities and you have to eat. What will you get here? Burgers and stuff; it's not meant to be fancy. It's a theme restaurant like our old fashioned Bubba Gump Shrimp or Hard Rock Cafe.

However, when in Rome I say and tech is the main thing in places in China. Go to this restaurant and check out the gravity induced robot food delivery. You'll see a lot of activity on rails all over the venue and it looks like a really good time.

https://www.superbrandmall.com/en/store/677e110a4ef30ee9445a3e95

https://www.trip.com/moments/detail/shanghai-2-119183715/

https://www.instagram.com/reels/DScsfXACPec/

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1033557322069988

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9NYA6S7rxw

4. Wechat. This is simply the way to do things in China. This is a translator, a search engine, texting and communication app and more. It's a one stop app to help you get around and do things in China. I'm not even sure what all it does.

We've all heard that AliPay is the way to pay. This seems to be the most efficient way to remotely pay and so many other things. I've never been to China, so I don't have any experience with this stuff but I've heard from people who do have experience. So, whatever you do to make your phone work; esim, local sim, specialized service or whatever; this is what you use for an app apparently. Give it a try.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tencent.mm&hl=en_US

https://www.wechat.com/

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wechat/id414478124

https://wise.com/us/blog/what-is-wechat

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/02/04/what-is-wechat-china-biggest-messaging-app.html

5. The Beijing Robot Mall. This isn't in Shanghai, obviously, but I had to mention it. This is brand new and in the E-Town District. This place is four floors of learning for humans, and if you really want to you can buy things.

They have robots, all kinds of them. They have bionic parts, science fiction looking bots and even one that looks like Einstein. It's all robotics. They play soccer, they play musical instruments, they dance, and some even talk. It's a window into the future, even though I'm not sure why I would want robots to play soccer. It's a great tech venue if you happen to be in Beijing. Check ahead for availability. This place is wildly popular and you may need to reserve an entry time.

https://english.beijing.gov.cn/latest/news/202508/t20250812_4171265.html

https://radii.co/article/beijing-e-town-robot-mall

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgm2jed7xvyo

https://www.nationalreview.com/photos/robot-retail/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_dkywmqZjs

These are the amazing things going on around the world that we don't normally hear about. I love to watch YouTube because I learn so much about what's really happening around the world. We've been led to believe that China is the enemy in our world. After seeing all the technology and advances in many fields, I wonder are we just jealous? I hope that we catch up. I would love to see things like this in my country just to say we can make it happen.

That's just my view. It's not for everyone. Comments and questions are always welcome. No, I haven't visited China...yet. What am I up to right now? Check out my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon.

https://www.youtube.com/@adventuresforanyone2025

Go for the gusto. Take on a real adventure and learn so much about the world it will amaze you! Enjoy!

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Some Tips for Navigating a Trip to New York City on This Week's Fast Five!

I spend a lot of time in the city, and I've learned a lot about traveling around and getting the most out of my visits, so here's some advice for you!

1. What should you book ahead? Obviously your hotel. Especially in the city book ahead. Do you have to book far ahead? No, just ahead. And make sure you find a place that suits your trip and mode of travel. And, always book ahead for special events; sports, concerts, etc. Just like you would if you went to an event as such locally wherever you live.

Other than that, it all depends. Time of year, day of the week, whether it's a holiday or not, is it a school break? All questions to ask when doing regular activities in the city. If it's a random Wednesday in March, you can probably walk into just about anything and get a ticket. Know the high times. Tall buildings, anything World Trade Center, small museums, immersive art, bus and boat tours, and so on. If you want to go up to The Edge at Hudson Yards, you probably won't need to book in advance unless it's a very busy day. However, if you want to do the city climb, book that in advance. Rockefeller Center you can probably walk in and go to The Top of the Rock, but the studio tour is normally booked. Look it up. Know how it works in advance. Governor's Island is a park, but it has a spa and glamping. You can always catch the ferry, but book activities in advance.

Also, most restaurants you can walk right in most of the time and not worry about a reservation. However, if you want to go to a particular high end restaurant, book ahead. If you want to do afternoon tea and the Russian Tea Room, book in advance. If you want to eat at the Rainbow Room, book far in advance. If you want to try some great food in Chinatown or Little Italy, Hell's Kitchen or Koreatown; you'll most likely find great food without a reservation. It all depends on how fancy you wish to be.

2. What not to book. Parks are public and free. I can't advocate this enough. You really get the sense of a neighborhood's personality when you visit a park. New York City has some of the most amazing parks anywhere. Central Park alone will keep you busy for days most of the year. However, Pier 17 and Pier 57 both have rooftop parks, which is something everyone should see. There's Little Island Park, which is truly unique. Most of the waterfront along the rivers is parks. Battery Park, Domino Park, the Elevated Acre, Prospect Park, Madison Square Park, Columbus Square Park, Flushing Meadows Park, Governor's Island. They are all amazing, so go and see.

So many times, we think that places will be full and they just aren't. I have many places that I go that should be crowded, but most of the time aren't. I love the New York Botanical Gardens. They always have something going on and it's always beautiful. I've never found an unmanageable crowd there. It's great. Roosevelt Island is another great spot. Quiet, beautiful, easy to get around and plenty to see. You can also ride the tram over for the view. Food is good. It's all good with a free red bus to get around on.

I love to walk those bridges. All of them but the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge are walkable. The views are always second to none, and the experience is really educational and fantastic. They are a mode of public transportation and it's free. You get some exercise too.

Getting around can be an activity. It's how my YouTube Channel started. Some trains are underground, some are raised with a view. Some pop up out of the ground like a roller coaster. Some of the stations have entertainment. There's one with an underground market. They have mosaics to look at and art displays in some of them. There's a restaurant at Herald Square. Michelin Star. Don't overlook the entertainment value of your mode of transportation. Like I said, there's an aerial tram at Roosevelt Island. Take a ride on a NYC Ferry or the Staten Island Ferry. Transportation can be fun.

My point is, remember to go with the flow. When you stop by to see one thing, you might discover 5 more things you find interesting. Don't plan too much. Take time to smell the coffee. It's everywhere.

3. When to go and when not to go. This one is for planning folks. New York has plenty of activities and seasons. They have more seasons than the rest of us do. They have the usual four. They also have baseball season, hockey season, basketball season, football season, US Open season, Christmas season, cherry blossom season, ice skating season, election season, several playoff seasons, concert season, fashion week season, fleet week, 4th of July, and vacation season. That's a lot of seasons, and they each effect the prices and availability both hotels and activities. I don't fly to New York, but I'm guessing it effects that too.

New York is one of the busiest cities on Earth. Built on pure capitalism, events and holidays are almost always happening. And, if that doesn't get you, then Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day or the weekend might make the difference between a nice trip and an unaffordable nightmare. Check ahead before booking that flight or hotel. And, don't drive in the city. Can't stress that enough. Parking is expensive and impossible. There's a congestion charge south of the park and bridge tolls. Traffic is crazy. One way streets are one of the biggest deterrents I've ever encountered. Don't drive and always check ahead for a holiday or special occasion.

Recently, I went to Chinatown on a random Tuesday and it was Lunar New Year. Rookie mistake, and I should have known better. The more random the day, the easier your trip and your bank account will be. I almost always visit the city on a weekday. Trains run regularly as do the subways, buses and ferries. It makes life easier.

The only exception to that rule is early in the week and primarily Mondays. Check ahead. A lot of museums and other attractions are closed on Mondays.

4. Getting around. Don't Drive!!!! I can't stress that enough. There are so many ways to get around the city, it's unbelievable. There are subways, trains, PATH trains, ferries, aerial tram, buses, and tours. You can also walk a bit by the way. You can download a map on your phone and just go. I promise. That's how I started.

PATH trains to New Jersey are $3. The subway is $3 a ride or $35 a week. Get the OMNY card for subways and buses. Don't try it with your credit card. It's easier to just get the card. Ferries are normally $5 and some of them are free shuttles. They have those to IKEA and the beaches at least part of the year. The Staten Island Ferry is free! Do not buy a ticket outside the terminal. It's free. And it's an iconic part of New York. The tram to Roosevelt Island is part of the transit system so just use your OMNY card. Buses are part of that system too. Tours are going to be more expensive, but if you're a bit nervous about going it alone, just take a hop on hop off tour. Metro North runs out of Grand Central. New Jersey Transit runs out of Penn Station. LIRR runs out of both of those. PATH trains run out of various subway stations and from the Oculus at World Trade. You'll have to check all of those for individual prices. Amtrak runs out of Moynihan Hall at Penn Station.

Whatever you do, I hate to say it but don't take a conventional taxi. They will be more confused than you are and the price will skyrocket while all of you figure it out. I've never taken an Uber or Lyft, but I hear they are a good way to go if you have to.

5. What's the best time of the year to visit New York City? Excellent question. I think it depends on the individual. There's always something to do. Summer is busy and hot. Is that a problem? It depends on what you wish to do. If you want to walk to Brooklyn Bridge, so does everyone else who came to town. You can avoid that and try another season, but it probably won't matter. That's one of the things you run into in the city. That bridge is always full. My suggestion is to come when you wish. Come for an event and find cool things to discover around it. Walk the Manhattan Bridge instead by the way. Great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and no crowds.

If you want to ice skate in Central Park come in winter. If you want to go to the beach, come in the summer. If you want to enjoy the foliage, come in the fall. If you love cherry blossoms and flower shows, come in spring. You do you. I prefer the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, mostly for the temperature. Summer can be harsh if you aren't into heat. Winter can be harsh if you hate the cold. It's that simple.

There's not really a bad season in New York City. It just depends on personal preference.

There you have it. My best advice in a blanket situation. This is the best I can do without personally talking with individuals. Just know that there's always something to do in New York. You won't be bored unless you want to be no matter when you come. I hope this has helped a couple people so they can enjoy their trip.

https://www.nyctourism.com/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-new-york-city

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/unwritten-rules-of-nyc

https://www.mta.info/

https://www.jfkairport.com/transportation/public-transport

https://www.njtransit.com/destinations/new-york-city

https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/index.html

https://www.ferry.nyc/

https://siferry.com/

https://broadwaydirect.com/

https://www.expedia.com/

If you want to see more about New York City, check out my YouTube channel!