On Friday morning our friend Mary picked us up bright and early and so we arrived in very good time at the bus station (about 1 hour early). While we sat in the relative warm we met another friend, Sue. She was on her way to Germany. Just before she left us I discovered that I had my car keys in my pocket. I had intended to leave them for Joni. Sue kindly volunteered to put them in my letter box when she got home from Germany on Tuesday.
After waiting a further hour, as the temperature plummeted to a level below the that which we had dressed for, a kind official informed us that the bus was delayed and it could come any time. So, after one and a half hours delay, we set off. Our journey took us through the A453 road works, where in addition to the normal delays there was an accident and we were directed right into the centre of Clifton. Next we went to the East Midland Airport and then to Luton. Eventually we arrived about 2 hours late into Heathrow. Time was on our side. In fact we were two early and towed our cases for too long around the terminal.
When we dropped the cases they told us that they would be held at the airport in Guangzhou. 'Please don't' we said. The flight was only ten hours in a beautiful 'Dream Liner' with touch screen entertainment.
At Guangzhou we were asked if we had booked into the airlines hotel. This came as surprise to us, particularly as it would be free with breakfast and free transit. With some trepidation, but with some reassurance from a fellow traveller we decided to lose the money on our booked hotel. An elegantly dressed bell boy took charge of our cases and hotel official gave us a polite introduction to the hotel.
It was about half an hour to the hotel. They had already arranged our departure time for the morning.
The room was 75 star. It had its own chandelier which was a miniature version of the massive crystal one in the entrance lobby. The room was about the size of the ground floor of our house. The two single beds were just smaller than a double bed, the room was twice our height there was a mahogany desk, dresser and refreshment stand, valley stand, a bathroom three times the size ours with a free standing bath, an awesome shower area and a vast sink. There was a separate toilet and sink and a walk in cupboard. In the cupboard were two gas masks to be worn in case of fire. There was also a large sofa and coffee table. Beside the phone in the toilet there were two others. There was also free wi-fi.
I tried hard both here and later at the airport to send messages home, but despite the signal I could not Facebook any one. After all, we were in China.
In the morning we woke early and enjoyed the bathing facilities before we went to breakfast. In the 'Italian Bistro' there was vast selection of quality food served on to elegant tables.
We had time to explore this 'The Lake Dragon' estate. A river flowed along the edge of the estate. On the opposite side were the massive homes of the rich. In the complex was an 'English Street'. Apart from two battered, red phone boxes there was little to resemble home.
Next we attempted to walk to 'The Lake Dragon'. This is really the Chinese word order. Not being quite sure of our direction we approached a smart young guard. He could understand what was said, but couldn't make us understand. So, he got out his phone. I expected to see a map. but what he showed us was what he was trying to tell us. However, it was in Chinese.
We found our own way to the lake. I certainly would not swim across it. Neither was I impressed by the concrete boxes described as elegant apartments in the estate agents amazing book.
There were also some curious signs.
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| Organism - Recycles |
We also discovered one of the main problems of this part of China. We saw hardly any pavements, even in the town. But that is another story.
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