So Long Mom

Got up early and off the ship at 8 am and on the bus to see Chonqing. This is a huge city of 8 million and building going on everywhere. We drove around and stopped at the Stilwell museum, This four star general was sent to China by FDR to handle the war in China, India and Burma. Unfortunately he and Chiang Kai Shek didn’t get along and he left China after two years. Also visited the Flying Tigers museum paying homage to the heroic men who flew over the Himalayas to keep routes and supplies into China. They were paid for every Japanese plane they shot down.

Had lunch at a nice restaurant with mediocre food and enjoyed walking around the street market. Saw a man purchase a good size turtle. Poor thing had a hole punched in its shell and a string attached for easy carrying. Guess it is soup by now.

Went to the airport and flew to Xian. Xian was an ancient capital of China and a beautiful walled city complete with a moat. First stop was to stroll on the wall and it was delightful. At night it is lit up and wish we could have spent more time. Checked in to the Hyatt Hotel and it is very nice. After a quick shower we head out to the Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. Jeff had an itchy throat and decided to do dinner in the hotel and relax. I joined the group for what turned out to be a spectacular evening. The food was good and presented beautifully. The show was great and the costumes were spectacular. It was staged in a Las Vegas style room and we had good seats and a great night out.