Sunset Scene at Yichang

We were able to enjoy these sights while awaiting the arrival of our bus that will take us for boarding our Yangtze River Cruise ship. That place is about an hour away by bus. The shadows of early night were creeping up when we got the call that the bus had arrived. Together with other fellow cruise passengers, we boarded for the journey to the actual Cruise Centre.

That bus trip brought us right into the heart of " the Three Kingdoms" country. The accompanying guide for a main group was excitedly pointing out features to our left, our right and so on even though it was already dark outside....but we could still make out the main outlines of mountains, cliffs, valleys and other interesting bits. He was explaining in Chinese...fortunately D2 and I could

catch some of it. Shirley who was seated nearby, offered to translate but

I told her not to worry, just sit back and relax...as that bus driver was going at a super-fast speed, even round sharp corners. And this was, mind you, along the mountainous roads!

Fortunately too...That driver was skillful in handling the bus at high speed. But imagine if you have a heart condition. Your poor heart would have croaked before the brakes of the bus gave way!

Sitting quietly here and contemplating....I reminded D2 that we have been mightly blessed to be able to be in the land of my forefathers, the land where we Yippee people came from, to see for ourselves and understand more of the long history of this our ancient roots....a land that will always tug at my heartstrings.

We Fully SUPPORT the BEIJING OLYMPICS !

By the mighty Yangtze River we casually strolled and came upon these makeshift open air stalls. Some were offering shooting games and other fun activities while some were selling their wares. Two men were selling paper cuttings and mini Olympic flags. D2 immediately bought a few so that we could wave them and keep them as souvenirs.

In the background are pontoon bridges that link the shore to a center for loading and unloading passengers.

The place where I sat was the actual raised platform where the Olympic Torch Ceremony would take place for this Yichang area.

I was waving 3 flags to show my FULL SUPPORT for the BEIJING GAMES.
The Olympic Games are to be held in August 2008 in Beijing. This is the 1st time that CHINA is hosting the Games and D2 and I, as well as millions from everywhere, join in to wish CHINA and her people a most Successful Games outcome!

The Olympic Torch site at Yichang

After our enjoyable dinner, we walked back to retrieve our bags at the Departmental Store. Then we kept the appointment at the Cruise Centre where their representative, a guy, fetched us in a taxi for the very short ride to this place.

This park by the Yangtze River will be the venue for the Olympic Torch Relay Ceremony in 2 day's time [ Sunday]. The whole place was beautifully prepared, decorated and laid out for that BIG official event.

There were lots of people around that place as it was an interesting area for families to bring their kids for some fun and relaxation.

Yichang Street Scenes

This story continues from the blogpost of 11th July titled " Yichang Hotpot".
The story thus far....it was Friday, 30th May 08 in the late evening. We had arrived in Yichang from Wuhan with our guide Shirley. And Shirley had ordered Dinner for all 3 of us...a special Yichang hotpot which was truly excellent.
While waiting for the food to be prepared in that corner restaurant, Shirley went off to look for that popular Wuhan noodles..." Re-gan-mian" which literally means hot, dry noodles.
As usual, I took my camera and scouted around...for interesting scenes.
These were some of the scenes I captured.


A water-melon seller at the street where we ate.

Various hawkers hawking their wares or services....from shoe repairs, clothes alteration and repairs, keys,

minor repairs, etc...

A lady selling souvenirs can be seen here.

The other end of the street was gaily decorated with flags and buntings.

D2 waiting patiently for our Yichang hotpot while sipping Chinese tea.

The journey to Yichang

When the coach Reg # 1587 finally arrived, all the waiting passengers rushed towards it for boarding. They were prevented from doing so as the driver went for a smoke and probably to relief himself. Unknown to D2 and me, Shirley had struck up more than just a chat with the coach operator and the bus guide.
When the call for boarding went out, again there was a mad rush forward to the bus front entrance. I presume it was to get the best seats. There cannot be any other reasons. D2, me and Shirley kept behind, looking amused at the situation. It happens all the time in most places we've been to. So, it wasn't surprising to see it happening here. We were the last 3 people to board. Yet, the 2 "best" seats right in front, with an unrestricted view and much legroom,
were not taken. Shirley had arranged with the operator to reserve them for both of us telling them we are guests from Singapore....and they fully agreed! So this was another pleasant surprise. The other passengers never complained and simply gave us healthy and respectful nods and acknowledgement. All this only added to my increasing storehouse of observations about Singaporeans vis-a-vis the people of China, and especially people of Hubei [ my final analysis will come at the end of the on-going story]. Only an experienced guide such as Shirley would have thought of this even before the bus came and made the right connection and approach. We did not and never would have requested for special treatment everywhere we went. Nevertheless we were thankful. So, bless you Shirley!

It was to be a 4 and half hour journey to our destination....Yichang. We left at 12.30 pm. We made ourselves comfortable for the long bus ride. It was a very hot afternoon as the bus cruised through the rustic Chinese countryside. The first toilet stop was at the Petrol and Rest station of Qingqiang which was well decorated with flags, streamers and a huge banner welcoming the Olympic Flame to that place. It was picked as a venue for a handing over torch ceremony in the days to come.

Top photo: Qingqiang, a venue for the Olympic Flame passing through that region of Hubei.

Centre photo: From our grandstand seat at the front of the coach, I captured this scene.
We have been travelling very much through the land of the Three Kingdoms story.





Finally, at about 5 pm, we rolled into the historic city of Yichang.
This place is definitely less crowded than Wuhan and therefore the traffic is lighter. The pace here seems to be more easy-going and relaxed.
We alighted from the bus at this 3 Gorges Cruise Centre. Someone will be picking the 3 of us at about 6.30 pm,from here.
With 1and 1/2 hours more, we decided to have a proper dinner. But we were lugging our travel bags as we walked.
Super Shirley had a clever idea! She walked us into a big department store
where they had free bags locker service. We left our luggage there and collected a tag. Now free, we walked like free men and women everywhere! So, bless you Shirley!
Shirley recommended that we try some local Yichang food and who are we to argue.
She has shown initiative, sharpness and good judgement on top of being an excellent guide thus far. And what a wonderful dinner that turned out to be !