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Gill & Em's China AdventureGill & Em's China Adventure
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A 31-day adventure by Emma & Gillian Read more
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  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    1
    Day 1

    Day 1: Journey to Heathrow

    May 29, 2017 in England ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    After being kindly dropped at York station by taxi driver Dom, we got on the coach excited and eager to start our adventure! Emma chose the best seats...ones at the back next to the toilets that didn't recline. Emma slept like a log. It took Gill approximately 20 minutes to feel travel sick, resolved by a breath of fresh air at Woodall services and some chewing gum. Emma thought a hot cross bun with cheese might help... Gill questioned 'Who's idea was it to have a curry before a 6 hour coach trip?!' At Heathrow we were first to check in, and currently sat at the gate admiring our home for the next 11 hours. Let the adventure begin! Gill & Em xRead more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 2

    Day 2: Arrival at Hong Kong Airport

    May 30, 2017 in Hong Kong ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    A calm arrival at the airport, much quieter than expected - not complaining! Very efficient transfers via train and bus. Great flight - lots of nice free food, drinks and films, the time flew by! Hotel maintenance means no shower yet, so having a smelly wander around to get to know the city! Gill & Em xRead more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 2

    Day 2: In bed by 4.30 - wild students!

    May 30, 2017 in Hong Kong ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Successful smelly wander this afternoon. Struck by the antithesis of a beautiful nearby park, which was overlooked by impressive towering skyscrapers. First glimpse of some intriguing meats, fruits and live animals at a street market too; and very excitedly found what we describe as 'an OT shop' next door to hotel. Also impressed with how quiet and clean the city is. Exhausted...fell asleep on park bench so thought it best to head back to hotel. Both been mostly awake for last 3 days...Gill the last 3 weeks looking forward to waking up refreshed and ready to start the tour! Gill & Em xRead more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    1
    Day 3

    Day 3: Boarder Crossing - HK to Yangshuo

    May 31, 2017 in China ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Woke up bright and early after 13 hours blissful uninterrupted sleep. Met our travel buddy Marissa and our first guide Rosanna. Took the tram up Victoria peak where we all enjoyed fantastic views of Hong Kong peninsula and breakfast. Caught a series of buses and the metro to the Chinese border, and caught the fastest bullet train in Asia (300km/h). Gill was very impressed how clean the stations were. Emma was very impressed with her purple potato crisps.

    Marissa has also been a very knowledgeable additional guide specialising in Chinese economics and random facts (such as the difference between pirates and pirateers!)

    We now have to get used to squat toilets! Gill managed to pee without getting her feet wet! Emma was excited at the prospect of toning her bum over the next month.

    The drive from Guilin to Yangshuo was long, but taking in the mountainous green scenery of Guanxi region kept us mesmerised.

    From Sally (our Yangshuo guide) we learned that Yangshuo's trade is 50/50 tourism and farming, mostly growing oranges and mandarins. Also due to tectonic plate movement creating underground rivers, a subway system isn't possible here.

    Walked through the array of flashing lights, live music, sizzling street food to enjoy our first proper Chinese meal at 'Lucy's Place'. Gill had cashew nut chicken, Emma had clay pot egg plant with "pork".

    Goodnight! Gill & Em x    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    1
    Day 4

    Day 4: Yangshuo

    June 1, 2017 in China ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Breakfast on the roof terrace followed by a fascinating wander around a local Chinese food market to buy ingredients for the cooking class. Saw an array of sights and sounds: giant courgettes and cinnamon, 1 year old salted eggs, live albino rabbits, fish and cats, not so live dog.

    Learned to cook Chinese style with another tour group of people from London and the Netherlands, followed by meeting our 4th group member 'Northern' Jordan from Castleford. Then, a beautiful bike ride down the Yulong river and bamboo river rafting.

    In the evening met some friendly Chinese students studying English and business. It all started with one student having the courage to come over and start the conversation; by the end we were all laughing and chatting, and they were keen to improve their English.

    Finished the night with some live music and a gin and tonic on a very uncomfortable bar stool and Emma's skirt was lifted up by a Chinese boy...he was only around 4 years old so will let him off this time!

    Final note of the day: peanuts don't grow on trees.

    Night night! Gill & Em x    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 5

    Day 5: Yangshuo and yonder...

    June 2, 2017 in China ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today Gill sounds like shes been on a massive bender due to a sore throat. Emma's having a hair disaster. Gill bought a mango smoothie...with kidney beans on top - local delicacy?! After a lazy morning we hiked up Moon Hill (.com). Gill took pity on an elderly Chinese lady selling postcards who hikes to the top daily - probably same age as Gill but looked about 94.

    Then we were awestruck by the massive Goldwater Caves 'the only cave mud bath/ hot spring in China'. We enjoyed getting to know our travel companions more intimately in the mud baths then relaxed in the hot springs. We were assured that Jordan's Delhi belly was controlled in the mud bath...not that we'd have known otherwise!

    Delicious street food stir fry for tea - selected our chosen meat and veggies then they were cooked in front of us. Learned that it's rude to stand your chopsticks up in your rice.

    Went to see the cormorant fishing with another group including an English girl who claimed to be called 'lettuce'. It was nothing like the HSBC advert. A noisy engine thundered in the background, as the birds were yanked out of the water and made to vomit several fish - not as glamorous or tranquil as expected. You live and learn. Emma got to hold a bird afterwards though - was very beautiful. Gill was having non of the smelly beast on her shoulder.

    Having been invited by a group of Chinese business/English students to a rooftop party, we decided to go along and enjoy the free beer and games. They were being assessed by their tutors to converse in English with 'foreigners'. Of course we joined in the drinking games and won a lantern and hair accessory between us.

    Ended the night with a boogie and deep fried stuffed 'thing' from a street food stand. Another great day!

    Gill & Em x    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 6

    Day 6: Final day in Yangshuo

    June 3, 2017 in China ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The health picture so far:
    -Gill has 3 bites 0 sunburn 1 very painful backside day, tonsilitis and a pulled neck muscle.
    -Emma has 31 bites 0 sunburn (thanks to Gill) 1 bad poo following street food. No Imodium necessary yet...

    During our time in Yangshuo, we've been photographed by many Chinese people - they love selfies almost as much as Emma.

    Sorted out our Monopoly money and budgeted for rest of trip. Emma gone over budget already...will endeavour to stick to planned budget - there's a first time for everything. Gill's budgeting non existent but did pack helpful paper clips.

    Choosing snacks in supermarket - dried meats, pickles and preserves, everything unfamiliar. Took a gamble with a few...will report on outcome.

    Set off in minibus to Sally's village (Translated as 'Dragon's Heel). Driving in Yangshuo is a different experience altogether - people drive on the right side (not that you'd know about it) and pull out without hesitation. Makes journeys much more exciting.

    En route stopped at Farmers market to buy fruit and had some great freshly made dumplings. Captured famous view of Li river as pictured on the 20 Yuan note.

    Jordan has been very quiet today as his bowels are having a sumo fight with the street food and exhausted. Soldiered on to village with us. Hoping waffles, McDonald's and 25 hours sleep on the next train will help.

    Then enjoyed a Tour of Sally's village: views of misty mountains, farmland and fruit trees. Learned lots about Chinese culture and life. Called at her home for Chinese tea. Houses in village only had plumbing since 2005, laundry still done in communal spring water source. Huge 90's TVs in each house. Then to Sally's uncle's house for a delicious meal. We noticed that decoration and home comforts are secondary to function, whole families live in houses as they're being built.

    Great day was had...until Sally's mum mortally offended Gill by guessing her age as 63. Upon leaving Gill smiled and waved (with middle finger)!

    Day ended with packing, a final wander through the electric Saturday night crowds, and a waffle.
    Until next time Yangshuo,
    Gill & Em x    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 7

    Day 7: The night train to Chengdu for...

    June 4, 2017 in China ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    ...lost or abandoned occupational therapy students!

    OMG the night train!! Our first experience of one, and it was like the knight bus from Harry Potter. Gill loved it and was much too intrigued to sleep for any length - spent most of the time desperately trying to see out of the window and sometimes wishing she hadn't seen the way the track towered over the roof tops and rivers! Impressed by the Dam and multiple tunnels through the mountains.

    Traveled through vast areas of dramatic countryside void of civilisation to towns heavily populated with high rise apartments. Drove on and on through torrential rain and heavy morning mist, through mountains and over rivers.

    25 hours is a long time....braided hair, played games, read books, laughed at the inaccuracies of google translate, and listened to music to relieve the monotony - time flies when you're having fun, or mesmerised watching China zoom past window like a real time national geographic documentary.

    Emma's critical appraisal of night train:
    Good points: pillow, duvet and hot water tap provided. All friends in same cabin. Regular friendly fruit, noodle, toy, leather belt (random or what?!) sellers. Able to lie in bed and window gaze.
    Bad points: mattress 2cm thick - could be better! No wifi or plug sockets. Squat toilets. Smoking between carriages which lingered.
    Utility/relevance: convenient and comfy enough - would use again (good job there are 4 more booked on the trip!!)

    Gill & Em x    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 8

    Day 8: Cheers to Chengdu!

    June 5, 2017 in China ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Arrived at 2.30 not too weary after 30 hours in transit. Was welcomed by our new guide, Xaio. Had a quick freshen up and got ready for the opera. First mandarin lesson, Emma's favourite word was 'shomaw' meaning panda, Gill's was 'mimi' meaning secret, which she will use in future when somebody tries to guess her age.

    At tea time, despite the mandarin lesson still had to point at all Chinese menu. Managed to order delicious beef curry and thank the non English speaking waitress in Chinese.

    Spent the evening at Sichuan opera, famous for changing faces and spitting fire. It did not disappoint, we found it interesting to see the theatrical side of traditional Chinese culture. Jasmine tea and popcorn included.

    Ended the night with a beautiful stroll by the river, which at 11pm was still buzzing with joggers, buskers and break dancers. Mandatory holiday ice cream and a few snaps by the beautiful Anshun bridge.

    Gill says Caris and Jenni would love the designer shops and cool vibe of Chengdu. Emma says as not seen a McDonald's or KFC yet not sure about Ben.

    Gill & Em x

    P.S Emma is struggling to contain excitement for PANDAS tomorrow!!!    Read more

  • Gill & Em's China Adventure
    Day 9

    Day 9: 20,000 panda steps around Chengdu

    June 6, 2017 in China ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    ...and 20,000 more in the club.
    Up bright and early to see the pandas! They did not disappoint. Of the 2000 giant pandas in existence Chengdu breeding center is home to around 80, including a month old baby (see unbelievably cute photo). Gill liked the red pandas best due to their 'beautiful ginger colouring'. They were more like Chinese Foxes really.

    Swift lunch followed by an afternoon exploring Chengdu museum and People's park. The park had things you'd expect to see in a park - boating lake and ice cream sellers, but also the unexpected - amusement arcade and a 'date market'. Prospective parents of, or singles themselves printed their bios and lined a portion of the path. Although our desirable pale skin attracted much interest, unfortunately none were tall enough for Gill. We laughed when a mother came and took an advert away as we were reading it...She obviously didn’t want her son dating a western women!

    Sichuan hot pot for tea, and the supposedly mild and flavoursome broth had our eyes running in minutes. As recommended by Xiao (our guide), tried an array of meat and veg including cow stomach, goat, 'Chinese ham' (spam), meatballs and bamboo. The free ice cream and fruit helped cool us down! It was an experience! Gill not sure she'd do it again, Emma on the other hand will 'try owt once' (except dog). Marissa and Jordan not too keen...

    Despite being tired, we wanted to make the most of our last night in Chengdu.
    Emma: “we wont stay out too late, just go for a look and one drink....”
    Gill: “Lets just go out and see what happens....”
    After Emma sipping and Gill necking plum wine with Xiao, we said goodnight to our travel companions and headed out to explore the bars and clubs of Lankuifong. Had the best night in Jellyfish - fueled by beer tokens, free shots and shared fruit platters with our new friends, we were first on the dance floor! Great music - dancey mixes of old and new and bartenders very entertaining hanging from the roof making drinks and blowing fire! Also free bunny ears and light rings were fun, and spent a grand total of 80p all night...on the taxi ride back at 3am!    Read more

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