Many of the proposed day trips suggested by Venerable Pu were canceled due to her alter ego, the foreign service officer, doing the big logistical planning for bigwig arrival from USA to Shanghai. But that was totally offset by an unexpected, unplanned trip to very small city (800,000) of Liyang a couple of hours out from Shanghai. Without going into the details, which are classified, Wife and I had the opportunity to be honored guests of some executives in the city. What this meant was a two day descent into the world of the privileged where you are picked up at the train station, whisked off, driven everywhere, jumping ahead of everyone at any place you visit, and pampered with both accommodation and food. After experiencing this, I understand why people with power are so reluctant to give it up.
Welcome to the Big City
Liyang reminds me of so many places we've visited that are off the beaten track, non-'A' List, but filled with interesting things. We started our visit with a personally guided tour of a museum which recounted all kinds of interesting history related to this area. But it also had an unusual sky viewing port in its ceiling that you reached by climbing up to the roof and then descending.
After the museum, we were taken to where we stayed for the night. It was rather plush if I can say so.
It had a spa tub filled with water from the local hot springs and a small infinity pool.
As you can see, there was even a Chinese calligraphy desk which Wife took advantage of.
From the room at night.
That evening our dinner was this classic Chinese style high end meal with the lazy Susan and the ongoing toasts with the host done with Bai Jo (Chinese white lightning). I did our family proud by impressing our host with my ability to fulfill this social obligation.
The main event of the second day (other than yet ANOTHER gigantic meal with the host telling me we know were toasting with beer!) was a visit to something called the Bamboo Jungle. I am thinking this is going to be a ride through some wilderness area. No. It is like a major tourist attraction which means lots, and lots, and lots of your fellow Chinese visitors. Thankfully, our VIP status made all the difference.
See!
Our special VIP gondola
This is steep!
First thing we visit are...Pandas. China has now severely restricted where they will let Pandas live due to the endangered status.
Pandas are basically pretty boring to watch most of the time
Lion Dancers...the total opposite
Our visit finished seeing this rather large bust of a wise, Confucian scholar of historical note.
Then we are whisked away for our next big meal.
Our hosts take us to the train station, drive to the special entrance, by pass all the security and the long queue to get to the platform. We say goodbye. Enter the train, realizing we accidentally have bought 2nd class tickets and realize our VIP days have come to an end.
