Hello from the mighty Yangtze River (China)

Okay - it's 11:19AM Thursday, September 10th (11:19PM Wednesday, Ohio time) . . . a little overdue for the update - sorry. Seems we've been in non-stop transit from place to place. Moreover, once we were on the ship, it was tough to get a signal unless we were at a port.

Monday (cont'd)
In the evening, we enjoyed a Chinese Acrobatic troop in Shanghai after dinner . . . this was entertaining - and the acrobats were so talented that it was almost freakish.

Got out of the show a little later than we had anticipated . . . we had brokered plans with Dawn's husband Bob (living in Shanghai) to meet up where they live, in the JW Marriot building (on the Puxi side of the Huangpu River), for a drink. Caught a cab there . . . and as we were on our way up we ran into him on the elevator - we were so late that he came looking for us - funny situation there! Anyway . . . REALLY nice guy . . . and the bar we were at was totally cool. After our visit, he paid our tab (too kind). Too bad Dawn couldn't have joined us - we missed her as she was in Shenjen.

Tuesday
In the morning we were set to depart Shanghai for Wuhan after visiting the famous Bund. The Bund was a neat experience -- street vendors were THICK. Haggled for a few neat gifts. Afterward, we visited a silk carpet factory - really didn't enjoy this one as it seemed more like a sales pitch than a factory tour (which we wouldn't have been interested in if it were genuine anyway). Meh.

Flew Shanghai Airlines into Wuhan, writing our postcards along the way. Had the NEATEST airline fud [insert picture here - *coming soon*], and the service and flight were unparalleled - minus the 30 minute delay at take-off. One hour, 10 minutes - flawless.

The "burg" of Wuhan (population of only about 9 million - a burg by China's stats) was interesting, but the few hours we spent there were more than enough. Took in a cultural show at one of the local museums - again, meh. (Between this show, and the other museum tour, and the two so-called "factory tours" are enough for us to write a letter to Viking when we get home - we're staying in 5-star hotels, and they're pulling this cheap crap - I disagree with this. Story for another time - no "real" complaints about our trip as a whole - the experience is well worth it all around.)

Shortly thereafter, we boarded the Viking Cruise ship and set sail on the mighty Yangtze river . . . we were late getting there due to the delayed flight, and had been in transit all day . . . and there was 9 minutes left to enjoy "martini hour" on the ship. Obviously, we wasted no time throwing our stuff into our room and heading up to the observation deck bar.

Since boarding the ship, it has been wonderful. The cruise is progressing as scheduled, and we're enjoying every second of it. The cruise ship amenities and activities are plentiful. Sharon's even learning a little Chinese (and she even ordered her custom-tailored "Qi Pao" dress in Chinese). Wait 'til you see this thing . . . custom fitted - she looks very elegant in it.

[updated with pictures! -->]



Wednesday
We visited a local town and had the opportunity to meet some of the school children there - they put on little show for us, and were very happy to visit. Easy for me to use Chinese on them . . . they were something like 3rd graders . . . so my asking "What's your name" amazed them. :)

The visit to this local town was WICKED hot . . . hotter than any place I've been (except maybe Vegas). We sweat profusely . . . wringing wet.

The rest of the day was spent chillaxin' . . . practicing my Chinese with the ship staff. They love this, and always want to know how I learned it. Sometimes they don't understand when I try to explain to them that I ripped lessons from CD onto my iPod. :)

For the Captains Welcoming Dinner we dressed sharply, and enjoyed a traditional (something like 9-course) Chinese meal with sophisticated company from Columbus, Ohio at our table.

Thursday (that's today!)
We're currently docked at a city (I'll post all of these city names later . . . everything is either Yichuan Yichang Suzhou or something with Y's, I's, and Zh's). This is where we will get off for a shore excursion to see the 3 Gorges Dam (which we will later pass through).

Sorry . . . at these computers on the boat, still no ability to upload photos (I know, I know). Maybe at one of the hotels to come! We'll be staying in Xi'An and Beijing after landing in Chonquing Sunday morning.

Do e-mail me . . . can get to GMail while at port!