In the peapod boat on the Daning River. The celebration for National Day.Friday, October 01, 2010
Misty
Tai Chi at 6:30 am and I was in the front row. Must have looked good because Dr. Ou asked if I have studied Tai Chi. I did many years ago and loved it and may start again. After breakfast we entered the Wushan area and sailed through scenic areas of the Wu gorge which is one of three gorges. The scenery was right out of the movies or photo books of China and truly amazing. It was misty all morning and that only enhanced the panoramas. Along the way we passed a boat collecting trash out of the river which seemed like an endless task. At 8:45 we disembarked at Wushan, a city of 100,000 that is a relocation city for people misplaced by the dam and boarded large ferries to sail along a tributary of the Yangtze called the Daning river. We were advised not to drink water, tea or coffee on board and that the toilets were “mama hoo hoo” and that is not good.
For 1½ hours we sailed on the river with more magnificent scenery and then reached a primitive area where we got off the ferries and onto peapod boats where we had to don life vests and sit on wooden boards. The boats were real low to the water and we had about 25 people and the guy in back who ran the engine. We floated through a canyon and looked up to see caves with hanging coffins inside. Wealthy people were buried this way and no one knows for sure how they got the coffins up so high in the cliffs. The dam project has raised the water level about 150 meters so entire cities have been submerged and we saw one island that used to be the top of a mountain a few years ago. In the boat we all got a chance to come up front and wear a native cape and hat made from palm leaves while pretending to use a long pole to move the boat. Good photos. We were lucky enough to see some monkeys by the riverside and our guide sang a lovely folk song to us.
On the way back I slept and got back in time for lunch. Today the buffet had several pork dishes, chicken strips, pizza and cold noodles. Green salad, egg salad, steamed veggies and bok choy were among the other dishes. Flan for dessert and, of course, watermelon which ends every meal. The dining room is very nice and the food is hot and plentiful.
After lunch we decided to try to play Mah Jongg. There is a room with covered tables and we found out that they are electric and shuffle the tiles and bring them up in two stacks in front of each player. They charge $15 to use the table for an hour. The tiles were much bigger than the ones we use and we have no idea how to play the Chinese version of the game. So we abandoned the idea for now and headed to our rooms.
Right now we are tied up to another riverboat so that folks can go on an optional afternoon excursion. The boat is literally two feet from our balcony and full of Chinese tourists who are waving and talking to us. Very funny. Today is National Day, a big holiday here where everyone goes traveling and everyplace is crowded. Luckily we are on the river with a finite number of people on the boat and tourist sites.
It’s a rainy afternoon and I enjoyed tea and cookies at 4 pm and then met Jeff for a Mandarin language lesson at 4:30. Laura and I watched the Chinese play Mah Jongg and think we have it figured out to be like rummy with tiles. Tomorrow we will attempt to play. Jeff signed us up for massages tomorrow and that will be a treat.
A little rest and then dinner. After dinner Jeff got into bed and read. I opted for the show and it was entertaining. Crew members put on a production of Chinese, dance, music and magic. Our waitresses played two-stringed instruments in a small orchestra which included a bamboo flute and two large dulcimer type contraptions as well as several ukele type instruments. Costumes were very professional.
For 1½ hours we sailed on the river with more magnificent scenery and then reached a primitive area where we got off the ferries and onto peapod boats where we had to don life vests and sit on wooden boards. The boats were real low to the water and we had about 25 people and the guy in back who ran the engine. We floated through a canyon and looked up to see caves with hanging coffins inside. Wealthy people were buried this way and no one knows for sure how they got the coffins up so high in the cliffs. The dam project has raised the water level about 150 meters so entire cities have been submerged and we saw one island that used to be the top of a mountain a few years ago. In the boat we all got a chance to come up front and wear a native cape and hat made from palm leaves while pretending to use a long pole to move the boat. Good photos. We were lucky enough to see some monkeys by the riverside and our guide sang a lovely folk song to us.
On the way back I slept and got back in time for lunch. Today the buffet had several pork dishes, chicken strips, pizza and cold noodles. Green salad, egg salad, steamed veggies and bok choy were among the other dishes. Flan for dessert and, of course, watermelon which ends every meal. The dining room is very nice and the food is hot and plentiful.
After lunch we decided to try to play Mah Jongg. There is a room with covered tables and we found out that they are electric and shuffle the tiles and bring them up in two stacks in front of each player. They charge $15 to use the table for an hour. The tiles were much bigger than the ones we use and we have no idea how to play the Chinese version of the game. So we abandoned the idea for now and headed to our rooms.
Right now we are tied up to another riverboat so that folks can go on an optional afternoon excursion. The boat is literally two feet from our balcony and full of Chinese tourists who are waving and talking to us. Very funny. Today is National Day, a big holiday here where everyone goes traveling and everyplace is crowded. Luckily we are on the river with a finite number of people on the boat and tourist sites.
It’s a rainy afternoon and I enjoyed tea and cookies at 4 pm and then met Jeff for a Mandarin language lesson at 4:30. Laura and I watched the Chinese play Mah Jongg and think we have it figured out to be like rummy with tiles. Tomorrow we will attempt to play. Jeff signed us up for massages tomorrow and that will be a treat.
A little rest and then dinner. After dinner Jeff got into bed and read. I opted for the show and it was entertaining. Crew members put on a production of Chinese, dance, music and magic. Our waitresses played two-stringed instruments in a small orchestra which included a bamboo flute and two large dulcimer type contraptions as well as several ukele type instruments. Costumes were very professional.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Up a Lazy River
Aboard the Victoria Jenna on the Yangtze River sailing the Three Gorges Dam. Woke up early and took a Tai Chi class. On to a tour of the dam with several stops to look out at the massive structure. A model of the dam was very interesting and just the immensity is awesome. They can move four boats at a time in each direction and are building an elevator to move smaller ships. It is the largest hydroelectric project in the world which supplies about 4% of China’s power needs.
Back to the ship for a buffet lunch. We have two tables assigned to our group and there are other groups and individuals aboard. Some Canadians, Europeans and Chinese. Crew are young Chinese with very good English and bright smiles. The ship is very nice and clean. Our room is small, but comfortable with twin beds, a sitting area and balcony. The bathroom is larger than those on most cruise ships.
Went upstairs at 2 o’clock to watch the river and saw many boats and boys swimming. Barges with coal, trucks and containers passed to and from the dam. Just after 3 pm we started to the first gate. A barge pulled up beside us and two more boats behind. About 5 pm we moved through the gate and sat while the water rose. During dinner we passed through the fifth gate and back on the river. The captain’s reception and cocktail party was tonight and everyone looked festive in dress up clothes. Dinner was good and I was delighted as there were mashed potatoes and eggplant on the lazy susan tonight. Decided to miss the nightly entertainment and headed to bed.
Back to the ship for a buffet lunch. We have two tables assigned to our group and there are other groups and individuals aboard. Some Canadians, Europeans and Chinese. Crew are young Chinese with very good English and bright smiles. The ship is very nice and clean. Our room is small, but comfortable with twin beds, a sitting area and balcony. The bathroom is larger than those on most cruise ships.
Went upstairs at 2 o’clock to watch the river and saw many boats and boys swimming. Barges with coal, trucks and containers passed to and from the dam. Just after 3 pm we started to the first gate. A barge pulled up beside us and two more boats behind. About 5 pm we moved through the gate and sat while the water rose. During dinner we passed through the fifth gate and back on the river. The captain’s reception and cocktail party was tonight and everyone looked festive in dress up clothes. Dinner was good and I was delighted as there were mashed potatoes and eggplant on the lazy susan tonight. Decided to miss the nightly entertainment and headed to bed.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tradition
Woke up to another gloomy day, but the superb breakfast made us happy. 13 of our group have asked the guide and bus to take us to Ohel Moshe, a museum which had been a synagogue. Here we saw a movie and exhibits on the Jews of Shanghai. Most had escaped the Nazis and found shelter here in China. The Chinese “Shamash” spoke to us and knew all the Hebrew names of the holidays and ritual items. This was such a meaningful experience and we all felt so good about this visit.
Later we boarded a plane to Yichang and arrived late afternoon. We had a local guide meet us and give us a city tour with a stop at an embroidery showroom. Jeff and I bought a beautiful piece to hang in our great room. Another lazy susan dinner in a hotel and then we were driven to our riverboat to begin our cruise.
Later we boarded a plane to Yichang and arrived late afternoon. We had a local guide meet us and give us a city tour with a stop at an embroidery showroom. Jeff and I bought a beautiful piece to hang in our great room. Another lazy susan dinner in a hotel and then we were driven to our riverboat to begin our cruise.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
China Doll
Woke up to another beautiful weather day and enjoyed a sumptuous buffet breakfast. The hotel is modern and bright. From our window we have a great views of the tall skyscrapers and also the athletic complex at Fudan U. First stop is the Temple of the White Jade Buddha. This is an active temple with many worshippers stopping in to pray. We are taken around and then burned some incense and made a wish. On to a silk factory where we were shown how silk is made by worms and then processed. We bought a silk duvet and arranged for it to be shipped home. Also got some scarves and a purple tie for Brian.
Lunch today upstairs in a embroidery factory building. First time there was no lazy susan and they actually brought us a plate with our choice of chicken or pork. As we left it started to rain heavily and our afternoon plans changed from a park to the Shanghai Museum. Everyone was thrilled and we got to tour this fine museum with Chinese art, jade, porcelain, calligraphy, furniture and more. Jeff and I enjoyed a special exhibit on Catherine the Great on loan from the Hermitage.
The rain stopped when we left so we were able to drive to The Bund and walk on this avenue along the river. It is the home of many old European style buildings and the other side of the river is new and full of modernistic skyscrapers. Dinner was at a tourist factory – a three story building where every Caucasian in Shanghai was eating dinner. Very funny and mediocre food. More lazy susans with typical Chinese dishes. The parking lot was full of tour buses and afterwards we all headed to the acrobatics show at a nearby theatre. The show was pretty good with young athletes beautifully costumed and choreographed. Unfortunately I slept through much of it.
Shanghai driving may be the worst we’ve ever seen and they are so aggressive. Jeff and the guys loved watching and not being behind the wheel. The city has 19 million people and is very cosmopolitan and very impressive buildings.
Lunch today upstairs in a embroidery factory building. First time there was no lazy susan and they actually brought us a plate with our choice of chicken or pork. As we left it started to rain heavily and our afternoon plans changed from a park to the Shanghai Museum. Everyone was thrilled and we got to tour this fine museum with Chinese art, jade, porcelain, calligraphy, furniture and more. Jeff and I enjoyed a special exhibit on Catherine the Great on loan from the Hermitage.
The rain stopped when we left so we were able to drive to The Bund and walk on this avenue along the river. It is the home of many old European style buildings and the other side of the river is new and full of modernistic skyscrapers. Dinner was at a tourist factory – a three story building where every Caucasian in Shanghai was eating dinner. Very funny and mediocre food. More lazy susans with typical Chinese dishes. The parking lot was full of tour buses and afterwards we all headed to the acrobatics show at a nearby theatre. The show was pretty good with young athletes beautifully costumed and choreographed. Unfortunately I slept through much of it.
Shanghai driving may be the worst we’ve ever seen and they are so aggressive. Jeff and the guys loved watching and not being behind the wheel. The city has 19 million people and is very cosmopolitan and very impressive buildings.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Stairway To Heaven
Up early and checked out of the hotel. Our bus took us to the Temple of Heaven which is located in a beautiful park. Many senior citizens hang out here all day and play cards and exercise. First we saw two men playing a paddle game and Jeff took part. Out of nowhere some enterprising men sold everyone sets of paddles and balls. We saw ladies doing fan dancing and lots of games of checkers, dominoes and cards.
Finally we walked to the temple which celebrates Taoism and nature. It is so beautiful, round with a blue pagoda style roof and a gold knob on the top. Three layers of steps lead you to the entrance and there are smaller buildings all around which house exhibits.
More shopping at a six story discount mall where everything was a knock-off. Lots of bargaining. Lunch was at a real restaurant set in a picturesque park. More Chinese food on a lazy susan and then a chance to roam around the lake and enjoy the willow trees blowing in the breeze. Good bye Beijing as we are headed to the airport. The city is big, beautiful and large government buildings built in the Russian style – boxy.
We arrived in Shanghai as it was getting dark and were driven to the Crowne Plaza Hotel near the campus of Fudan University. Saw tall, modern buildings from the highway and the lights of the city were remarkable. Our local guide is Scotty, a young man with a great sense of comedy.
Finally we walked to the temple which celebrates Taoism and nature. It is so beautiful, round with a blue pagoda style roof and a gold knob on the top. Three layers of steps lead you to the entrance and there are smaller buildings all around which house exhibits.
More shopping at a six story discount mall where everything was a knock-off. Lots of bargaining. Lunch was at a real restaurant set in a picturesque park. More Chinese food on a lazy susan and then a chance to roam around the lake and enjoy the willow trees blowing in the breeze. Good bye Beijing as we are headed to the airport. The city is big, beautiful and large government buildings built in the Russian style – boxy.
We arrived in Shanghai as it was getting dark and were driven to the Crowne Plaza Hotel near the campus of Fudan University. Saw tall, modern buildings from the highway and the lights of the city were remarkable. Our local guide is Scotty, a young man with a great sense of comedy.
Friday, September 24, 2010
The Wall
Slept well even though the bed was hard. Arranged to have a feather bed put over the mattress. Hotel is beautiful and luxurious. Had another breakfast buffet with Chinese and Western food. Boarded our bus and first stop was a jade factory where we’re shown how it is carved and polished and then led to their huge store. Continued on to the Great Wall at a site called Juyongguan which is a recently restored section. What we could see were lots of steps leading into the steep hills. We got off the bus and climbed a wide staircase to a level area and then began the adventure. Jeff and I bought “I Climbed The Great Wall” tee shirts and wore them immediately. We climbed the uneven steps and rested and talked with people from all over the world. It was tiring and exhilarating all at once. We got pretty far and decided it was enough and headed back. It was lots of exercise and not as spiritual as I had hoped, but an experience I will never forget.
A welcome lunch break was at a cloissone factory. After another lazy susan meal we (surprisingly) had time to shop. The afternoon activity was a visit to the Ming tombs and we stopped at the largest one. Toured the temples, museum and grounds and climbed up to see the dirt mound which is the actual tomb.
Next was my favorite activity in Beijing. We went for a pedicab ride in the Hutong district. This is an area with old houses set in walled neighborhoods. We were driven through and visited a courtyard home and met the family. Part of the neighborhood was becoming an entertainment section with many outdoor bars with couches set on the sidewalks.
Tonight we enjoyed a Peking duck dinner which was in a restaurant located in a shopping mall. We had a full Chinese meal plus the duck wrapped in flat pancakes. Very delicious!
A welcome lunch break was at a cloissone factory. After another lazy susan meal we (surprisingly) had time to shop. The afternoon activity was a visit to the Ming tombs and we stopped at the largest one. Toured the temples, museum and grounds and climbed up to see the dirt mound which is the actual tomb.
Next was my favorite activity in Beijing. We went for a pedicab ride in the Hutong district. This is an area with old houses set in walled neighborhoods. We were driven through and visited a courtyard home and met the family. Part of the neighborhood was becoming an entertainment section with many outdoor bars with couches set on the sidewalks.
Tonight we enjoyed a Peking duck dinner which was in a restaurant located in a shopping mall. We had a full Chinese meal plus the duck wrapped in flat pancakes. Very delicious!
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