After a tiring train journey, I emerged into a
humid sweat inducing 37 degrees day in Chonqing, and bought my onward train
tickets. Then I boarded the incredibly hot and busy 105 bus into town. But for
10p for a 4km journey, and a nice smile from one of the locals, I couldn't
complain!
For lunch, I went hunting for the local "Chongqing
Hotpot" - a fiery fondue-like dish enjoyed by people in the region. After some
communication difficulties at a local restaurant, a Chinese girl (far right) who
could speak English came to assist. But instead of assisting, I was invited to
her table to share her group's hotpot, where students were celebrating their
friend's (second from right) birthday!
It is very heart-warming, again, to see how
welcoming people in China are. And given that it is traditional for the birthday
boy or girl to pay, they would not hear of me paying for my meal. They even
walked me to my next destination, to make sure I would get there!
New experience: I ate pig's brain as part of the
hot pot.
After 24 hours of
sweating since leaving my hotel in Shanghai, I arrived atdock to board the
Yangtze River boat tour. When I got on, the middle-aged lady who I would have
shared the room with me was horrified to have to share with a man, and kicked up
a huge fuss and argument with the staff. She was moved, and I negotiated "under
the table" with her friend and got the entire room to myself for an extra £5.
Not a bad deal! Pictured is my room - better than many hotel rooms, with fridge,
air-condtioning, en-suite bathroom and a massive viewing window. The boat left
port at night, so today was not the day for pretty sights.
Supper at the restaurant was excellent. Pointing
at a chicken, and rice in my picture book, and using my phrase book, I managed
to get a really tasty chicek curry with rice. The lady who served me was very
keen to improve her English menu skills, so took to borrowing my phrase book
each night. I ate heartily for £4.60 - not bad for a tourist meal on a boat.
There was a very interesting (cruncy and delicious) vegetable in my curry that I
know I have had before, but have failed to recognise. Anybody who can shed any
light, please have a go... pic below.
