This place has everything and is now one of my favourite places ever! Yes, it does have the almost ghostly atmosphere of any new Chinese shopping mall. Everything is incredibly superficial and there's barely anybody there (apart from the thumb twiddling staff) but that just adds to its charm. It was a winner for Isaac the minute he spotted a giant moving brachiosaurus and a t-Rex at the front. They even made him get over the taxi temper tantrum over his seatb...

After a never ending food hunt (Chengdu still wins no prizes for its food selection) we headed towards our old favourite 'jingli street.' This time we discovered a beautiful park next door that we hadn't found before. It was lovely to see some blossom trees. Jingli street was absolutely packed as it was the last day of the sweeping the tombs festival holiday. Trying to manoeuvre two buggies through the crowds was a challenge! I have to admire Isaac...

Chinese parks are a huge amount of fun for young children (and their mummies!) We headed towards our old favourite park via the culture park. Isaac loved the 'bampoo' and collecting dinosaur leaves. Every time he was out of the pushchair, one of us was running after him, providing much entertainment for our ever present audience. We met up with Bill's cousin; Isaac's new best friend 'uncle.' Isaac is currently refusing to speak Chinese and...

Bill was banned from complicating the transfer from airport to hotel so we just got a metered taxi. A whole terrible 56rmb! I was amazed all the luggage and pushchairs fitted in. I had also made sure I'd prebooked the hotel to avoid the usual wandering around and this turned out to be a really good move. Great hotel ideally located with a beautiful courtyard. Just opposite is the culture park which we walked around in our quest to avoid jet lag. Lewis was the...

Lewis took his first time on an aeroplane in his stride, smiling away at his fellow passengers. The overnight flight from Amsterdam to Chengdu proved to be a good bet again especially as we were upgraded to economy comfort right at the front with extra leg room. After a crazy few minutes in Amsterdam, Isaac fell straight asleep on the plane and didn't wake up until 20 minutes before landing. That was one family member ticked off! Lewis slept on and off but mu...