Day 10 Travel from Chongqing to Xi'an
Trip Start
Aug 01, 2011
1
19
34
Trip End
Aug 25, 2011
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Where I stayed
Grand New World Hotel
What I did
Visited the Pandas and the Chongqing Zoo and Flew to Xi'an
Chongqing, Chongqing, China
Monday, August 15, 2011
Today is Monday, 15 August 2011, Day 10 of our journey. Today is a travel day; we move from Chongqing (town the cruise ended) to Xi'an. We were up at 0630. The ship docked early this morning at about 0100. Looking out the cabin window, I just assumed we would move to a harbor landing platform later. I didn’t see any area where we were presently docked where passengers would be able to get off the ship without going into the water first; there was a lot of it between the ship and a steep inclined land area to reach the top of the road.
I turned in my cabin keys, comments form and tip envelope at 0830; then it was off to shore. Angelo helped us off the ship onto a barge which connected to another ship. Allen (our local guide) met us at the end of the second barge. He escorted us to an area where we caught a cable-car type coach to the top of the landing.
Ship resupply had already started as we got off. The ship was sailing back downstream at 1700 later today. Now let’s back up to the resupply. Any idea of how it was being accomplished? Did you all guess with cranes and forklifts and dollies? NOT! It was being done the old fashion way; A piece of bamboo over the shoulders of strong small men with two pieces of wood 18" squared attached to hold the cargo. No lie! We could not believe what we were seeing. I mean they were taking everything to the ship that way. And the gentlemen doing the work were not young either. I did manage to get a few photos without being too obtrusive.
After reaching the top landing, we walked for what seemed like a mile to a waiting bus. Rosalind and I got there first because we left the ship a little earlier than the rest of the group, so we had to wait about twenty minutes for them to arrive. During that time, we can’t count how many vendors came to the bus door trying to sell us something (fans, scarves, toys, drinks, food items, statues, etc…)
When the others finally arrived, we saw a few city sights enroute to the Chongqing zoo to see the Pandas. This zoo does the primary research and manages the Panda breeding program. The zoo is in the middle of town, across the street from a huge Wal-Mart. We didn’t get a chance to go to the store; it was across a major thoroughfare. Chongqing (population of 32 million people) is Jeff’s hometown; so his wife and mother met him at the bus for a few minutes. Inside the zoo, a golf cart took us from the main entrance to the Panda Enclosure. It was already HOT and HUMID! Only one Panda was outside doing what they do; EAT. After pictures and a bathroom break, our next stop was at an art gallery in the zoo. Beautiful paintings adorned the walls. Rosalind did purchase two painted leafs.
By now it’s time to head to the airport; our flight was scheduled for 1540. The trip to the airport was about 40 minutes. We are on a new airline for this flight; Sichuan Airlines on a Boeing 737-800 (3- 3 seat configuration). I didn't know of the change until we arrived at the airport, so I have no background on the airline. Cross your fingers right! We arrived in Xi’an and were met by Zhou (pronounced Joe) and the bus driver. Once all of our bags were retrieved, we started our one hour drive to our hotel. Zhou pointed out historical and current landmarks along the way and gave us more information on both the local area and China. We finally arrived at the Grand New World Hotel at 1700 to rest up and get settled in before dinner. We all decided to change for dinner, but didn’t get too dressed up because most places were casual. However, when we arrived at the restaurant we found all of the hostesses in formal wear. This restaurant is used for all types of private parties; and tonight there was a wedding party along with other parties. Once again, we were loaded with plates of steaming Chinese dishes (this time with a huge fish complete with its head, many bones and a horrible smell), our one four ounce beverage and the customary tea. All of our restaurants have been great; and the meals always end with fresh melon and grapes. We were then free for the rest of the evening. As always, we had a great time discussing everything we’d seen on the day with our companions. We returned to the hotel and prepared for the next day’s tour. Our beds are finally getting softer!
Sweet Dreams
Lionel and Rosalind
Comments
BP and Ros, I have so enjoyed all our your posts from your trip to China. I have never been inclined to visit there until I started reading your journal. Incredible! Having traveled with you, I can't wait to talk to you and hear about some of the things you can't post in a family friendly blog! I'm sure you had your moments! Thanks for sharing. You took a lot of time out of your schedule to keep us posted, and it was appreciated!