Thursday March 9, 2017 Dallas Airport
We are off to China for two weeks with our pals Mike and Jana. We spent last PM at the Orlando airport, then caught our6:00 AM flight. We have a 2 1/2 hrs layover here, then 15 hour fight to start our tour in Shanghai. We are traveling with four others we met this AM, a couple who snowbird in Fl and NH, and father and young daughter. We have been crazy busy since Antarctica. The holidays, then Hurricane repairs including new roof, solar system and lanai. Unfortunately when they put solar system back on roof they pierced a water pipe in our ceiling that we did not notice for three days. Of course, right over my closet and our master bath. We were still in the middle of the renovation when we left so it will be nice to have a break. This is an organized tour so we do not have to do any worrying or planning. Next stop Shanghai !
We are off to China for two weeks with our pals Mike and Jana. We spent last PM at the Orlando airport, then caught our6:00 AM flight. We have a 2 1/2 hrs layover here, then 15 hour fight to start our tour in Shanghai. We are traveling with four others we met this AM, a couple who snowbird in Fl and NH, and father and young daughter. We have been crazy busy since Antarctica. The holidays, then Hurricane repairs including new roof, solar system and lanai. Unfortunately when they put solar system back on roof they pierced a water pipe in our ceiling that we did not notice for three days. Of course, right over my closet and our master bath. We were still in the middle of the renovation when we left so it will be nice to have a break. This is an organized tour so we do not have to do any worrying or planning. Next stop Shanghai !
Sunday March 12, 2017. Train to Wuhan
So, an excellent adventure. We had the luck of the Irish and we were upgraded on our flight from Dallas to Shanghai to extra legroom, bulkhead, and no one in the middle seat. After our 15 hour flight we arrived exhausted but were met and after a short wait for other members of our group, we arrived at our hotel, the Crowne Plaza at about 6:30 PM and went to bed about 9:30 PM. Yesterday we were up and running 7:30 AM. Our first stop was the Bund located in the older section of Shanghai. It is a beautiful area on the Yellow river where you can walk along the river with the back drop of skyscrapers and all kinds of commercial boat traffic. It looked like a view of Manhattan over the East River. Next stop was at a silk factory where we learned about the process of the silk worm, and final silk products. After that we went to the Shanghai Natural History . We then did a family style lunch of a table of 8 with the food on a big lazy Susan In the middle. Next stop was an amazing Chinese acrobatic show. It did not seem natural the positions they were able to put their bodies in...... Next stop was at an embroidery musuem and silk rug gallery. We then went to the financial district and walked around, then had cocktails at a open cafe. Last stop was family style dinner again, then home about 8:00 PM. Today up at 5:30 AM and we caught the bullet train to Wahun. It is a 6 hour trip so we should be getting in around 4:00 PM. So far, China has been a pleasant surprise. Shanghai is enormous, 30 million people. The weird thing is the whole city moves under ground with an elaborate transport system so there ar no traffic issues like in the states. Shanghai is beautiful. There are residential skyscrapers everywhere, interspersed with beautiful green spaces and parks. The architecture is varied with very modern structures and then old Europen looking structures. The city felt like a mix of Europe and New York City. I am so pleasantly surprised and impressed, I never would have imagined Shanghai to be so wonderful. I feel like we are getting ahead of the jet lag, and getting on a good cycle.
So, an excellent adventure. We had the luck of the Irish and we were upgraded on our flight from Dallas to Shanghai to extra legroom, bulkhead, and no one in the middle seat. After our 15 hour flight we arrived exhausted but were met and after a short wait for other members of our group, we arrived at our hotel, the Crowne Plaza at about 6:30 PM and went to bed about 9:30 PM. Yesterday we were up and running 7:30 AM. Our first stop was the Bund located in the older section of Shanghai. It is a beautiful area on the Yellow river where you can walk along the river with the back drop of skyscrapers and all kinds of commercial boat traffic. It looked like a view of Manhattan over the East River. Next stop was at a silk factory where we learned about the process of the silk worm, and final silk products. After that we went to the Shanghai Natural History . We then did a family style lunch of a table of 8 with the food on a big lazy Susan In the middle. Next stop was an amazing Chinese acrobatic show. It did not seem natural the positions they were able to put their bodies in...... Next stop was at an embroidery musuem and silk rug gallery. We then went to the financial district and walked around, then had cocktails at a open cafe. Last stop was family style dinner again, then home about 8:00 PM. Today up at 5:30 AM and we caught the bullet train to Wahun. It is a 6 hour trip so we should be getting in around 4:00 PM. So far, China has been a pleasant surprise. Shanghai is enormous, 30 million people. The weird thing is the whole city moves under ground with an elaborate transport system so there ar no traffic issues like in the states. Shanghai is beautiful. There are residential skyscrapers everywhere, interspersed with beautiful green spaces and parks. The architecture is varied with very modern structures and then old Europen looking structures. The city felt like a mix of Europe and New York City. I am so pleasantly surprised and impressed, I never would have imagined Shanghai to be so wonderful. I feel like we are getting ahead of the jet lag, and getting on a good cycle.
Jon and Mike - first day of sightseeing
Walking on the Bund - Shanghai was an amazing mis of old adn new. One side of the Yellow river was old, European in feel, the other side was modern, full of skyscrapers
Bronze statue replica of the NY stock exchange bull
Jon and I with back drop of real floral wall
View to modern side of the Yellow River from the Bund
Older side of the Yellow River
Yellow River - building with open area at top is called the "Bottle Opener"
Jon and I
Jon, Me, Jana and Mike
At the silk factory - machinery that extracts silk thread from the cocoons pictured in the bowls, then winds them into spools of thread
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Some of the sculptures
Jon coud have been a statue model....
Contrast of old in front, new in back. The city was packed with residential skyscrapers to house those 30 million residents
Modern buildings being constructed, but still using bamboo for scaffolding
All the apartments had some type of device out side a window for hanging laundry
The Shanghai acrobatic show was amazing....
This is definitely the closest Jon and I will ever come to doing some type of acrobats
At the embroidery gallery. The finished works like paintings. they can take up to a year to complete.
Woman weaving silk oriental rug
Typical road
Modern city, but still reminded of the past
Shanghai at night
Our first beer in China !
Monday March 13, 2017. En route via bus to Yangtze cruise
It was a long but comfortable train ride to Wuhan yesterday. We then bused to a Howard Johnson Hotel that was equal to an American 5 star hotel right across from the river. We got in5:00 PM, left for dinner 6:00 PM got back 8:00 PM and we were in bed by 9:00 PM. We still have jet lag, but should clear up soon. The train yesterday was about a quarter mile long with only two western toilets in train 14, we were in 1 and it was about a 15 minute walk ! Got lots of history. Some interesting info was regarding housing. You buy a 70 year lease on a property, then at 70 years they will bull doze the entire complex, then start all over with new 70 year leases. We also learned China changed the 1 child policy to 2 children last year. Chinese families value boys to continue the family name. At about two months the sex of the baby is determined and many decide to abort to try for a boy. Because of the priority of boys, China will soon have a shortage of women, so the girls will be able to be very particular on who to marry. It is raining today, and we have a total of a six hour bus ride to our boat. There will be a lunch stop, and a sightseeing stop, but still a long bus ride. Tonight finally on the boat and hopefully some r and r.
It was a long but comfortable train ride to Wuhan yesterday. We then bused to a Howard Johnson Hotel that was equal to an American 5 star hotel right across from the river. We got in5:00 PM, left for dinner 6:00 PM got back 8:00 PM and we were in bed by 9:00 PM. We still have jet lag, but should clear up soon. The train yesterday was about a quarter mile long with only two western toilets in train 14, we were in 1 and it was about a 15 minute walk ! Got lots of history. Some interesting info was regarding housing. You buy a 70 year lease on a property, then at 70 years they will bull doze the entire complex, then start all over with new 70 year leases. We also learned China changed the 1 child policy to 2 children last year. Chinese families value boys to continue the family name. At about two months the sex of the baby is determined and many decide to abort to try for a boy. Because of the priority of boys, China will soon have a shortage of women, so the girls will be able to be very particular on who to marry. It is raining today, and we have a total of a six hour bus ride to our boat. There will be a lunch stop, and a sightseeing stop, but still a long bus ride. Tonight finally on the boat and hopefully some r and r.
Tuesday March 14 2017 Gold 3 cruise ship
We had our first stop yesterday at the ancient wall of Jingzhou. It was freezing and raining. Next stop was lunch followed by a visit to the Zinghau museum that housed a totally intact mummy. We learned we supposed to have boarded the cruise ship in Wuhan, but the locks are closed to non commercial traffic due to lock repairs. We bussed to meet the ship West of the Three Gorges Dam.This city is only about 20 years old with about 50,000 people, most who were relocated, when the towns they lived in were flooded for construction of the dam. We finally arrived about5:45 PM, had dinner at 6:45 PM followed by check in and a briefing and safety meeting. I hit the pillow about 9:30 PM. Awoke about 3:00 AM with our room full of diesel fumes from another cruise ship that rafted off of us. This AM we were up and off to go to an area called "Water Village", The tribe of the three gorges. It was a beautiful area with waking in the gorge gorge where they had people re enacting some of the village life. The scenery was postcard perfect, waterfalls, towering banks, lush vegetation. There were also monkeys that came right up to you. I got the best photo of a look of horror on Jon's face as one tried to jump on him ! Then we saw a short skit on a local marriage ceremony called a Kujia which is the custom of the local people. We came back for lunch then headed back out for a visit to the Three Gorges Dam site. The dam is enormous and produces the most electricity in the world. We got some great photos of the area. Got back, had cocktails then dinner. After dinner we got together with the Florida group and had a night cap in a tiny bar that other passengers don't appear to have found yet. We will be setting out tonight and moving throughout the night.
We had our first stop yesterday at the ancient wall of Jingzhou. It was freezing and raining. Next stop was lunch followed by a visit to the Zinghau museum that housed a totally intact mummy. We learned we supposed to have boarded the cruise ship in Wuhan, but the locks are closed to non commercial traffic due to lock repairs. We bussed to meet the ship West of the Three Gorges Dam.This city is only about 20 years old with about 50,000 people, most who were relocated, when the towns they lived in were flooded for construction of the dam. We finally arrived about5:45 PM, had dinner at 6:45 PM followed by check in and a briefing and safety meeting. I hit the pillow about 9:30 PM. Awoke about 3:00 AM with our room full of diesel fumes from another cruise ship that rafted off of us. This AM we were up and off to go to an area called "Water Village", The tribe of the three gorges. It was a beautiful area with waking in the gorge gorge where they had people re enacting some of the village life. The scenery was postcard perfect, waterfalls, towering banks, lush vegetation. There were also monkeys that came right up to you. I got the best photo of a look of horror on Jon's face as one tried to jump on him ! Then we saw a short skit on a local marriage ceremony called a Kujia which is the custom of the local people. We came back for lunch then headed back out for a visit to the Three Gorges Dam site. The dam is enormous and produces the most electricity in the world. We got some great photos of the area. Got back, had cocktails then dinner. After dinner we got together with the Florida group and had a night cap in a tiny bar that other passengers don't appear to have found yet. We will be setting out tonight and moving throughout the night.
vending macine at train station
Train ride to Wahun
Train ride to Wahun
Train ride to Wahun
Wahun - another huge cit of millions - same scene of skyscraper apartment buildings everywhere
View out our window - all of the low buildings in front are scheduled to be demolished to make room for more modern apartment skyscraper buildings
A rainy day to vids the old Jinzhou City wall
Guards at the city wall
Old city wall, new city across the river
Beautiful artwork everywhere, even looking up at the underside of the roof...
Jana, me and Jon - typical Lazy Susan Meal
Our other four travelers from Florida - Isabella, Troy, Judy and Bob.
Zinghau museum
Intact mummy complete with organs
Arrival at departure port. these rusty old funiculars were are transport down to our boat.
Funicular coming up and one going down. Ship on left at dock surrounded by gorgeous backdrop scenery.
Our boat - Gold 3
Jon on funicular going down
Boarding our boat. Every loading dock we were at was old and rusted. Mike commented the scene was like from a "Mad Max" movie set.
On board the ship - beautiful
Morning housekeeping staff meeting
the boats rafted off next to each other
Enroute to "Water World"
Entertaining the tourists by playing an singing "Oh Susanna"
Various food stands
At Water World
Walking trail
Beautiful scenery everywhere !
Posted everywhere - do not get close to the monkeys as they were fierce
So, here is one of the fierce monkeys
I really liked them, they were very curious, but in full disclosure, one girl in our group did get bit by one of the monkeys
Jon on the other hand did not want to get near the monkeys - I love his expression in this photo when one of the monkeys tried to jump on him -the brown blur is the monkey running away
Riding back to boat for lunch
the "Gold 3" staff were always outside in their coats to say good bye and to greet us when we returned
After lunch off to the Three Gorges Dam
Ships cuing up to enter the locks at the dam
Ships in a lock
Cherry blossoms
Looking down over the dam and locks
Walk back to the boat on the red carpet
Wed. March 15 2017. Gold 3 cruising on the Yangtze River
Jon and I met 27 years ago today on the Ides of March. Up this AM where we took a Sanpan cruise through a narrow gorge with towering lime stone cliffs called the Goddess Stream. The guide told us before the dam, the water was at about 30 meters. It is now at about 120 meters during the winter and drops about 30 meters in the summer. The guide talked about how upset the people were in the villages at having to be located for the new dam. She said her family was living in a house of about 30 square meters. Once relocated, the new apartment was 120 sq. meters. In addition, all families received new furniture, a TV, and computer, so most families ended up happier. We arrived back late AM and spent time on the top outside deck viewing the second of the three gorges we will pass through. Next was lunch, followed by free time, then3:00 PM back to the top deck for viewing of the third and final gorge. At 4:00 PM we went to learn some of the history then watch a demonstration of painting the inside of a snuff bottle. We have a little collection of hand painted snuff bottles, and were able to add to our collection on this trip. We had cocktails at the tiny bar again, dinner, then ended the evening with a staff talent show. Still tired, waiting for the jet lag to wear off any day now.....
Jon and I met 27 years ago today on the Ides of March. Up this AM where we took a Sanpan cruise through a narrow gorge with towering lime stone cliffs called the Goddess Stream. The guide told us before the dam, the water was at about 30 meters. It is now at about 120 meters during the winter and drops about 30 meters in the summer. The guide talked about how upset the people were in the villages at having to be located for the new dam. She said her family was living in a house of about 30 square meters. Once relocated, the new apartment was 120 sq. meters. In addition, all families received new furniture, a TV, and computer, so most families ended up happier. We arrived back late AM and spent time on the top outside deck viewing the second of the three gorges we will pass through. Next was lunch, followed by free time, then3:00 PM back to the top deck for viewing of the third and final gorge. At 4:00 PM we went to learn some of the history then watch a demonstration of painting the inside of a snuff bottle. We have a little collection of hand painted snuff bottles, and were able to add to our collection on this trip. We had cocktails at the tiny bar again, dinner, then ended the evening with a staff talent show. Still tired, waiting for the jet lag to wear off any day now.....
This was the artist painting in side of the tiny snuff bottles
Early AM cruising
Morning excursion was to the Godess Stream where we boarded small Sanpans and were treated to spectacular scenery
Jon never misses a chance to try to captain a boat.....
Following photos a small sampling the gorgeous surroundings
This is the same as the boat we were on ..
Back on board and cruising on the Yangtze - just a couple of scenery shots
Our sister ship
The banks were covered with orange trees - the oranges were absolutely delish !
Friday March 17,2017 last morning on cruise Chongqing St Pattys Day
Yesterday AM we walked about a half mile, crossed a suspension bridge to visit the Shibaoshai temple, a nine story pagoda built into the hillside. We were able to climb to the top on creaky ancient wood steps, very amazing. On way back we walked through a sea of vendors and enjoyed being able to mingle with the locals, and have free time. R an R in the afternoon so charged up for second half of our trip. Today we disembark in Chongqing and go to the zoo to see. The pandas, then we have a city tour this afternoon. Chongqing is the largest city in western China and has about 38 million people.
Yesterday AM we walked about a half mile, crossed a suspension bridge to visit the Shibaoshai temple, a nine story pagoda built into the hillside. We were able to climb to the top on creaky ancient wood steps, very amazing. On way back we walked through a sea of vendors and enjoyed being able to mingle with the locals, and have free time. R an R in the afternoon so charged up for second half of our trip. Today we disembark in Chongqing and go to the zoo to see. The pandas, then we have a city tour this afternoon. Chongqing is the largest city in western China and has about 38 million people.
Our boat would always tie off on some type of old floating structure - we had to walk through this one, then cross a series of floating walkways to get to the land
Our Gold coat staff were on hand wishing us a good day
Local
More locals
Jon can never get enough of is greens
Jon walking past all of the vendors on route to the temple
the temple
Jon and I, island with temple in background
Suspension bridge leading to the island with the temple
Jon's Chinese horoscope sign is the year of the dog - i of course, am the year of the rat.....
Walking across the bridge to the Temple
Laundry day and ducks
On the island
Jana and I rubbing our guide, Michael's buddha belly for good luck
Jon, me, Jana and Mike
the temple
Decorative roof top
there were some steep stair leading to the top of the 9 story temple, little did I know, these would be nothing compared to climbing the Great Wall of China !
View in distance of our ship from temple window
Jon in window
Statue of the God of longevity
Jon walked across the bridge in an odd number of steps that was believed to ensure longevity and luck in your relationship -
I think Crew would like this guy
Local
We have good oranges in Florida - but these Chinese oranges are tough to beat !
We saw these Oba Mao t- shirts everywhere
Local
Walking back to boat on street lined with vendors
Laundry day and suspension bridge in background
Tassels everywhere
View of temple as we passed by on boat
Afternoon cruising
Cemetery on bank, the large holes in bank were probably over burial sites
Hillside cemetery
our last night
Mike, Jana, me and Jon