Into the dining room just after 7am for my mimosa and eggs Florentine the Florentine was a little over done, but looked better than the Benedict of yesterday morning. I was about ready to leave as Marty and Eric arrived too early for them as well.
Todays itinerary has something like 800 steps in it apparently there are 50 just to get to the parking area for the buses. The rest are in the Snow Jade Cave which is over a mile long and was only discovered in 1997 by a local farmer. Definitely wearing my real walking shoes rather than the sandals Ive been in for the last week.
After an hour long very bumpy bus ride (and transfer because the PA system was broken), we arrived at the reception area for the Snow Jade Cave. They didnt mention that entrance to the cave was at least half a mile from the parking area (thats a mile round trip in the heat). At least the cave was a cool 66 degrees but with humidity in the large numbers.
I must say that the cave was stunning even with its eight or nine hundreds steps. It might well be the best cave Ive seen in all my travels though most of my caves were from my childhood years and traveling with the family.
The path through the cave was a circular route up, down, around, and then out. Some of the places were a little tight for these large American tourists. There may have been other routes through there, but we didnt get to do them, might be nice to do when you had a full day.
Another bumpy ride back to the bus the town has moved across the river from its original location and much of it already flooded only the hillside places will survive. Our local tour guides house has already been flooded. She seems to be happy with her new place in the new town mostly it sounds like because its all new that and there is a dance bar in the new town.
Many beggars and vendors at the dock waiting for us more handicapped beggars than Ive seen at other docks.
A shower before lunch was mandatory, and a cleaner shirt dont want to stink up the lunch companions. A tiny roast beef sandwich, a tiny club, a little salad, and the chicken cordon bleu (which was dry) was lunch today.
After lunch it was serious nap time interrupted by the announcements for disembarkment lecture, dumpling making, napkin folding. so a nap in 45 minute chunks.
Up at 4pm to start packing the bag for tomorrow and the last of the scotch (and a nip of Erics whiskey) while watching CNN and BBC with news of the London airport shutdown and wondering how that will affect our flight tomorrow. Chinese airlines have always had in place the liquids restriction (unless it was bought in the airport). Well see tomorrow!
Tonight is the Captains Dinner so Ill wear my sports coat (since I brought it and havent worn it yet). Looks like there will be champagne before dinner since I see the bucket and the glasses. And Chinese pink sparkling wine we had two glasses in the reception area, then she came around with more add the wine with dinner and Im feeling no pain.
Dinner was Chinese family style some good starters the duck and chicken were good. The main of the fish was good but the shrimp and scallops were overcooked. The dessert was well, Chinese and not to my liking but then again dessert isnt my favorite course.
Marty and Eric retired early Marty turning over her Dynasty Dry Red Wine apparently a Sino-French product that is a 2002 heavy on the chocolate tones, not that great, but not quite worth throwing out.
News Break: was flossing after dinner and popped a crown off not good. Guess I need to call Dolphin to set up an appointment for late the 15th or 16th so I can have a full set of chopper for the Breitenbush gathering. Damn, damn, damn. Guess Id better finish packing bags need to be out by 6:30am.
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