Arrival in Suzhou

We arrived in Suzhou on the train today at about midday. Although I slept most of the way, when I did look up I could see from the led display at the front of the carriage we where in that we were traveling at mega speeds. Karron said she saw it go up to 293 kph which is 182 mph!

The Bamboo Grove Hotel

The hotel lobby and lakes outside are gorgeous. The room is less gorgeous. How weird this country is. The outside landscaping and the lobby of this hotel is just awesome. The room, however, needs redecorating and a new carpet. It's a reasonable size and has all we need but is not in the same league as any if the other rooms really, perhaps with the exception of the Grand Mecure in Beijing which was quite a bit smaller than all the other rooms we've had.

In the itinerary yesterday it had mentioned that it might be worth upgrading and Karron spoke to me about it but being a bit tight and knowing we were only here for two nights I didn't think it would be worth it. In hindsight........

7.30 pm

Karron and I have had a walk in to the restaurant area where we found a great Cantonese Restaurant and enjoyed beef fillet with mushroom and a special fried noodle.
On returning to the hotel, Karron talked me in to a 45 minute foot massage for us both! (To be honest, we've walked miles over the last 2 weeks so I didn't take much persuading.) We're now sat side by side in big soft armchairs with our feet soaking in large green tubs full of hot water and a herbal tea bag? It is feeling very nice though.

11.39pm sat in Bar

Our foot massage was great. We then wondered around the hotel for a bit checking out the pool and shops etc and now I'm sat in the bar finishing a beer whilst using the lobby wifi to update this blog, (none in the room).

Karron went up for a shower quite a while ago and is probably wondering where I am! Best I get off. Photo uploading will have to wait I'm afraid.