Monday 28 January 2008

now for something completely different

I am testing out a new blogging site in preparation for the big trip to China. Here's the itinerary in case you would like to follow along. It is straight from the tour guide in case you are wondering about the wording. My comments are in pink.

13 .April :BeijingQ Xining--Lhasa

Arrival in Beijing, you will transfer to Xining and then go to Lhasa by train.

14 .April :Lhasa
When you arrive in Lhasa, you will be met and transferred to the hotel




15 .April :Lhasa
Today you will have a free day, and relax yourself. (that's because we might be throwing up all day because of altitude sickness!! - 13,000 ft)

16.April :Lhasa
After breakfast, you will visit the magnificent Potala Palace, which was built 1,300 years ago (618-907AD) when the Tibetan King Songtsam Gambo married the Tang Princess Wencheng. HMMM! Funny there is no mention of the Dalai Lama

And then visit the Jokhang Monastery; it is the spiritual center of Tibet, which was Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo and his two foreign wives. After that go to the Octagon Street. A circular street at the center of Old Lhasa is the oldest street in a traditional city in Tibet.

17.April :Lhasa –Yamdrok- Lhasa

After breakfast, you will transfer to visit the beautiful Yamdork Lake, one of three holy lakes in Tibet; Yamdrok Yumtso is an outflowing lake which is connected with the Yarlung Tsangpo River. About 1 million year ago, huge mud-rock flow blocked the river valley in the upper reaches of the Moqu River near Yangse. After sightseeing, transfer to the Lhasa for overnight.

18.April : Lhasa - Chongqing
After breakfast, you will fly to Chongqing, Arrive in Chongqing, meet and transfer to aboard on the cruise.





19. April :Three Gorges Some of the sites we will see along the way are going to be the last time these things are completely visible. The dam project will flood a lot of this area, covering up many of these sites.


Today we will sail by Wanxian, Fengdu Ghost City and Qutang George. After sailing to the ancient city of Shibaozhai we’ll visit its 12-storey Qing Dynasty temple. The temple is a gem of Chinese architecture nestled on a sheer 721-foot cliff towering over the Yangtze. Overnight on cruiser.

20. April :Three Little Georges

Today after a leisurely breakfast pass the second Gorge - Wu Gorge. You will disembark at
Wushan Daning River for an excursion to the Three Little Gorges. The trip features a fantastic
natural backdrop and a wonderful boat ride along the crystal stream. The motorized sampan
allows you to experience a speedy adventure and have a close look at mossy rocks, verdant
plants, plank roads, ancient coffins and precious animals. Get back
to have lunch on the ship. Have dinner on the Cruiser.

21 April :Three Georges Dam/Yichang/Beijing

Today we sail through the five-level ship lock at the Three Gorges Dam. Enter the first gorge -Xiling Gorge and sightseeing will be included for 2-3 hours. Arrive Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing.

22. April:Beijing
A full day of sightseeing will include a visit to the Tiananmen Square which is the largest city square in the world, big enough to hold half a million people. The Forbidden City was the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Afternoon will visit the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace has a history of over 800years.
Evening enjoy Acrobatics Show, which is an interactive art form. Everyone, young or old, educated or not, can easily appreciate it while watching or seeing the acrobats perform

23 .April : Beijing
This morning you will visit Great Wall at Juyong Pass and Jade Factory. The Great Wall is the only man made structure that is visible from space. Which has not actually been proven - it is a bit of an urban myth I'm afraid.

Afternoon you will visit the Ming Tomb, where 13 emperors are buried.

24 April :Beijing-Canada