u/Binthair_Dunthat

My daughter would like to go to China with a couple of her friends after high school graduation for a senior trip. She has been to China many times already and speaks some basic conversational Mandarin (as do the friends she will be traveling with). Coincidentally, gather as a family we will be going to Guangzhou in a few months to visit extended family and while there I would like to go with her to the Party Pier so she could learn about it as a possible destination for her next year.. (As a parent I would prefer to spend time in the museums but I'm realistic enough to know that she and her friends will likely be at the Party Pier whether I like it or not!). I have no interest in staying out all night at a nightclub but I would enjoy going there and having dinner and taking a look around together. Where do you suggest? We love great authentic Chinese food, but we are quite flexible and enjoy many cuisines. If the best place you know serves burgers and pizza that will also work for us. I appreciate your advice, thank you in advance.

What do you recommend to read before an upcoming trip? I like books that help me understand the historical context of a place. Or, a good fiction book that captures the soul of a place. Does not have to be high-brow. I loved Flashman and the Dragon- I learned about the Taiping rebellion and the sacking of the Summer Palace. Thank you in advance!

I took the bus to the Civic Center and saved the $25 parking fee (and hassle). Thank you Golden Gate transit!

Sorry for the ignorant question, but I'm doing my best to use public transportation more. It's great that I can take the number 17 bus from Mill Valley to the San Rafael transit center (and from there lots of places using the Smart Train and other bus lines). But where do I leave my car in Mill Valley for 4 to 5 hours? It's easiest for me to park on Miller Avenue or Blithedale, but is the best place to leave my car the Manzanita commuter parking lot? Thank you in advance!

Planning a trip later this year. There are lots of great hotel choices, but White Swan seems iconic. Worth it? Thank you in advance!

Heroes

Have a late 1990s Toyota sedan and the Costco website says they do not have the tire size so for the first time in 30 years I'll be buying tires from someone else. Favorite tire shop? I don't need to pay the absolute lowest price but I would like a reasonable price for quality service and easy scheduling. Thank you in advance!