Tuesday, March 21, 2006
I'm freezing! Only geared in shorts when the temperature is less than 10 degree celsius. Today's the 4th day of my China trip. Got to access Internet at the hotel lobby - Mao Xian International Hotel.
DAY 1 SATURDAY 18 MARCH 2006 SINGAPORE - CHENGDU The Air China flight was a cramped one. Even worse than JetStar Asia. There wasn't much activity after landing at Chengdu, merely shopped nearby to our hotel - Xin Hua International Hotel.
DAY 2 SUNDAY 19 MARCH 2006 CHENGDU - JIU ZHAI GOUTook a domestic flight to Jiu (nine) Zhai (Tibetan) Gou (Valley). I can't believe my eyes because it was the first time I flew IN BETWEEN snow-capped mountains. Jiu Zhai Gou's altitude is a little less than Tibet, at around 3,100 metres above sea-level. The consequences: - I suffered from altitude sickness the next day.
We checked-in to Jiu Zhai Paradise Holiday Resort - a 5-star hotel, notably the best hotel in Jiu Zhai Gou. The room was tastefully-furnished in teak, with separate living and sleeping area. A balcony in the living area opens up to majestic snow-capped mountains as well.
Sis and I went for a dip at the hotspring in the hotel. Some we in the 40s degree celsius. I even braved one that was 10 degree celsius! My fingers became numb and I came up after a tour mate advised me to do so.
DAY 3 MONDAY 20 MARCH 2006 AT JIU ZHAI GOUWe commenced our tour of Jiu Zhai Gou, with a pretty lady from tibetan tribe being our guide at this scenic nature reserve. Awe-inspring lakes and waterfalls were beyond my description, and water that was so tranquil and colourful in blue and green (depending on the sunlight). Nuo Ri Lang Waterfall that we visited was noted as China's most widest waterfall, at 305 meters wide.
Our lunch in the nature reserve was horrendous. There were not almost any dishes left and we had to fight for them amongst the Chinese nationals. I thanked God that I managed to get my share. But sis had to share with mum. Who else can beat that Chinese nationals when it comes to such things?
We ended the night with a tibetan cultural performances, which I found unappealing. The female singers' pitch was so high such that I had to cover up my ears with my hands. But almost all of the performers were so handsome and pretty that I wished I could bring them home as souvenirs.
DAY 4 TUESDAY 21 MARCH 2006I still remember studying the Long March during secondary school days and I loved that chapter. Today, I got the opportunity to visit the Long March Memorial. Here, sis and I went to the toilet but there weren't any doors, only a brick partition that was merely 1 metres high. Nevertheless we used it because of the need to attend to the call of Mother Nature.
Our visit also included Western Gemstone and Jade Factory, Songpan Ancient Town as well as a brief stop at Diexihaizi, covering over 200 kilometres of mountainous roads before reaching Mao Xian International Hotel, which is where I am now.
Tomorrow's wake up call is at 6am, and we will be covering over 400 kilometres and our last stop will be Mount Emei - one of the fourth largest Buddhist monasteries in China.
My final semester results will be out tomorrow from 0830 hours. I hope I can pass well to enter university. But I know I am dreaming.
|Melvin Ng| 10:10 pm|
width="7650" height="228">
