I think originally we were supposed to fly from Chengdu to Yichang to board our cruise vessel but due to a major flight schedule change, which would make us very late into Yichang, we are now taking a bullet train.
A few more shots at the train station, which again felt more like an airport.
I've only included this one as Raymond is the guy on the left in the blue t-shirt (and yes, that is Ian’s elbow).
I've actually flipped this image, the writing on the glass is on the outside of the building, but for once I could take the chance that no one will realise as they don't read Chinese.
This was a complete train crew heading for the platform. They dress in uniform and parade around much like cabin crew, even the cleaning staff are smartly turned out.
Giant panda flavoured Pringles.
The platform was deserted as we waited for the train to come in.
It was a long and rather boring 6 1/2 hour journey but as usual Ian and I settled down and made the best of it. Today's high rise photos come from Yichang as we approached the station.
But there are still some old buildings around, dwarfed by their modern counterparts.
Unfortunately it looks like the Chengdu dress code is adopted here to.
We then headed to a restaurant for an early dinner as we're not due to board the boat until 18:00 and there is no meal service tonight. And on towards the river where unfortunately the weather had rather closed in.
In the distance is the famous dam.
We've had to carry our cases on and off trains, to/from the coach/hotel but here Raymond had arranged porters for us as there are several 100 steps involved here depending on the height of the water. Foghorn got herself in a complete state because no one had told her she would need a label on her suitcase - some people really shouldn't be allowed to travel.
Victoria Anna staff waiting to greet us and check us in.
This lady was nothing to do with the cruise, just hanging around hoping to sell a few bags of oranges.
The 5* Victoria Anna, our home for the next 4 nights as we sail the 648 kms upstream from Yichang to Chongqing.
As this photo shows, she is a long way down and they use this curious looking funicular to get us down the gangway.
They manage to squash about 40 people into it each trip but nevertheless we had to wait quite a while before we could go down. I was fortunate to get to the front so I could take a couple of shots.
Looking back up at the terminal it rather reminded me of an ultra modern cathedral.
There were probably 6-8 ships moored up together and we had to walk along several pontoons to get to the Victoria Anna.
You can see just how many steps there are so I'm pleased we got a lift down.
We went firstly to the downstairs buffet area for a briefing. Ian and I had pre-booked the Amenities Package which meant we could eat our meals in the smaller, upstairs, restaurant and would have dinner from the à la carte menu. Prior to visiting China I'd heard all sorts of unfavourable tales of unpleasant personal habits (spitting etc) so I wasn't very keen on eating from an open buffet, especially given the number of diners involved. I also felt that we'd be ready to order what we wanted to eat and to be able to have the whole lot, rather than it spinning away from us on a lazy susan. I had also assumed that we'd have a table to ourselves but 3 other couples went for the upgrade when it got mentioned a couple of days ago on the coach and so were on a table for 8. Oh, and we also get complimentary soft drinks with lunch and wine with dinner.
This is our cabin, we made a last minute decision to upgrade to an Executive Suite which put us on a higher deck and gave us slightly more square footage. It was very nice indeed and once we'd rearranged the furniture a little we had plenty of room.
Our own private balcony to sit out on should the weather ever improve.
Common areas and the bar.
And the Sun Deck which was at the other end to our dining room.
Looking towards the dam there were a couple of other boats moored next to us but they'll eventually move.
It's quite strange really, because we're all onboard and ready to go but the ship doesn't leave until this time tomorrow.
