Last days in Chongquin, We have come the full circle this group of us, eight strangers become friends in 14 days. We have landed in Chongquin, flown to Xian, overnight train to Beijing, fast train to The Three Gorges, cruised up the Yangtze River and now back to Chongquin. We have seen and walked on history, tasted the Chinese cuisine, been confused by the logic, stood in awe of the building feats, talked to many, laughed at much, bargained for many an item, s...

Thursday 28th Aug to Sunday 1st Sept Victoria Cruise Yangtze River Waking up and remembering where I actually am. Opening the curtains that are my bed head-rest and there is the Yangtze river swirling by, the mountain side of rocks and dark green trees rising steeply beyond the bank opposite, mists and clouds draping everything mystically. Its a big boat, carrying 400+ people and 92 crew over 6 levels. Each room has two single beds with a sliding door openin...

Wednesday 27th August. Today is travel day. Richard and I gave a slight hitch to the smooth arrangements of travel as we both have lost our train tickets. Richard lost his to an enterprising robber who fished his wallet from his bag. I had foolishly left mine with my passport which the hotel had unexpectedly kept for our stay and wasn't there on its return. Naturally there were queues and offices to visit, microphones officials yelling into speakers behind gla...

Beijing Day 4 Tuesday 26th Aug Today ended up being a muddled day. Fitting in what we haven't fit before now and also becoming a little orientated and wishing I had a chance to explore properly this enormous city. We wandered the paths of "The temple of Heaven" an ancient place where sacrifices were made and the gods appeased for harvests, weather, happiness and long life. Its like a huge park with various buildings around. 90% of the area are lawns but the gr...

Beijing Day 4 Tuesday 26th Aug Today ended up being a muddled day. Fitting in what we haven't fit before now and also becoming a little orientated and wishing I had a chance to explore properly this enormous city. We wandered the paths of "The temple of Heaven" an ancient place where sacrifices were made and the gods appeased for harvests, weather, happiness and long life. Its like a huge park with various buildings around. 90% of the area are lawns but the gr...