Ni Hao

Before I start telling you all what a fantastic day we have had I thought those of you that are missing us might like to know that we will be back in England only 100 days from now as today is Day 266 of our epic journey (Dot get making those corn beef pies!!!)

Up again before the sun rose and by 6.30 we were walking through Chengdu watching our breath in the cold air and trying to get a cab to the Bus Station 5km away. Luck was on our side and within a few minutes we hailed a cab and were on our way. The journey to Leshan took 2 hours as it is 180km from Chengdu but it was the warmest 2 hours we have experienced since arriving in China as the driver had the heater on!!!!

Reluctantly we got off the bus in Leshan then within a minute we were on the public bus (no heating!!) heading for the Giant Buddha. We passed the daily market where they were selling ducks, pigs, chickens and turtles all still alive and ready to face their maker and the big clay pot!!!

Half an hour later we had paid our entrance fee and were scaling hundreds of steps on our way to get level with Dafo's head. None of the pictures prepare you for it's enormity and it is so beautiful and over whelming.

It was the brainchild of Haitong a monk who came up with the idea of using the rubble to slow the river down to stop ships crashing. It was eventually finished in 803AD by the local governor after being started in 713AD.

Luckily by taking the early bus from Chengdu the place was deserted and we managed to get some really good photos.The best way to see Dafo is from it's base 71 metres below and to get down there you have to take 9 turn staircase which is carved out of the cliff and is very narrow but the views from down there are amazing and you get a true feel for the size of this sculpture.

Unfortunately the only way back up is by another steep staircase, luckily on the way a couple of Chinese guys wanted their photos with Mel and I so it gave us a good excuse to rest for a minute, this seems to happen a lot in China, Mel and I agreed that it must be down to our good looks!!!!

Back at the top the crowds had started to get larger so we spent the next few hours looking around the temples and gardens that are also here and beautiful. The Chinese can really build a great tranquil garden.

All morning the signs kept making us laugh with such things as "Slip Carefully", "No Scribbling" and "Take 3 steps to the side to detour the grass"

The time passed really quickly and we had to take the bus back to the Bus Station. While we stood waiting for the bus Mel got a great deal on some good luck pendants from an old lady. Luckily she didn't speak any English and Mel got 3 for 5 Yuan/30p when all she wanted was 1 for 5 Yuan so the luck started to work before she owned them!!!

The weather had started to get cold but we had the warm bus back to Chengdu to look forward to, but our driver had other ideas and had the air con on all the way back accompanied by a dodgy Kung Fu movie so we got numb legs and a numb brain!!!!

Just sat in the hostel bar typing this and it is sooooo cold in here, the Chinese believe in a lot of things but heating isn't one of them, Mel has 6 layers of clothing on I think her backpack is empty.

Enjoy the photos and blog, there should also be 2 videos of the pandas from yesterday as well.

Remember tomorrow will be 99 days to go.

Lots of Love

M & M

xx