Laoguanzui

The boat stayed at Wuhan overnight and we disembarked to got to see the Hubei Museum. This is normally closed on a Monday but Viking has some power and it was opened especially for us! It was great to have the place to ourselves without having to jostle for a place by the exhibits. Here we learnt about Marquis Yi's tomb and all its contents (lots of bronze and jade!). Think the Chinese version of Tutankhamun, this 2400 year old tomb was discovered in 1978 by the miltary. Not unlike the Egyptian process of buriel, Yi was buried with his many favourite belongings and his concubines, musicians and dog (all buried alive). Of particular significance are the 64 Hubei bells.

Following an excellent tour by our guide, Richard we were treated to a performance on a replica set of the Hubei bells with musicians in traditional costume and dancers. Fabulous!

Upon returning to the boat, we enjoyed lunch and then it was time for the mandatory evacuation drill, snooze, relax and then a welcome drink at the Captain's reception! By this time, we had set sail en-route to the Three Gorges.Read more