17th September 2018 Monday, travel to the start of the Yangtze Cruise

Monday 17th September 2018, after a good breakfast at 6:30 worried about Monday traffic, we head off to the train station for our trip to Chongqing where we will board the cruise boat. Thank you to Susan and our great driver. (I never got his name)  for a unforgettable time in Xian. I got a lovely gift of tea and chilly sauce and will use it reservedly in the recipe for fish soup and in the recipe for stir fry vegetables. I cannot wait. Susan explained some of the way of life - with the minority’s allowed multiple children but the Chinese people having the one child policy until last year resulting in a very male and aged society. Thank you for your insights on the schooling systems. Chinese boys also have boarding schools. Your family sounds amazing. From prices of apartments to lengthy explanations of dynasties and terra-cotta warriors, Susan was happy to discuss and inform on everything.

Now on the train, going to find the dining cart. Apparently there is one. Michael has had a packet of equivalent to Lays potatoes cheese chips, as it seemed the safest bet. Lots of different options but we didn’t recognize anything else on the packet covers. I found hot water, had I brought tea leaves in my backpack..... so settled for hot water.

Arrived in Chongqing and transferred to the boat terminus, the worst area so far in terms of broken down stairs and litter. A bit of a shock when you compare it to other Cruise areas in both Europe and America. Checked in and then went for a walk around the area. Pointed at some pictures in a restaurant, I thought I was getting pork, beans and peanuts and I got chicken feet and chilies and Michael guessed at ribs and he got baby fish in batter. Anyway, I got some coke lights and yoghurt for the trip as beer or coke is R60 in the bar and outside in the supermarket R6.

Left the side of the terminus at night amongst magnificent buildings all beautifully lit up. Wow amazing skyline on both sides of the Yangtze River. It is a small cruise boat with 6 floors. Larger cabins than princess but much older. I am in bed typing this and I will hopefully put it day by day with pictures into the blog.