Pandamania

Apparently, China has sourced some pandas from Adelaide and housed them here in Chengdu. The city is panda mad (it seemingly does not have a lot else to offer).
We journeyed out to the panda research and preservation centre and joined the PoH (press of humanity) in a bid to catch a glimpse of the elusive panda. Actually, it wasn't so much that the pandas were elusive. It was more that the PoH bulging around any hint of a panda made the task Herculean. In short, it was hot and humid and left one wondering about benefit-cost ratios.
After a strategic retreat and a spot of lunch we visited the Jinsha Site Museum. They had discovered the remains of an ancient civilisation -- the Shu -- from about 3,000 years ago. The artefacts they unearthed showed an amazing artistry and skill in stone and metals. Quite interesting. (Well OK Chengdu does have something else to offer.)Read more