This time we passed through Qutang Gorge which was a continuation of this spectacular country.The programme included so much more and this chapter is about some of the other things we experienced as we made our way up to Chongqing, leaving the three gorges in our wake:
All along the way there was evidence of development and especially the preparation to move services and facilities to higher ground. After the completion of the 3-Gorges Dam, the water would rise to 175 meters above sea level.Attentive listeners to a range of speakers, including the doctor, the embroiderer, the Chinese painting artist & the tea man, this crew can be recognised from previous photos.
Here is the doctor who explained Chinese medicine to us and that was interesting.
Carol's eye, OF COURSE, fell on silk embroidery and she had long discussions with our friend including showing her handiwork to him. He in turn was also happy to oblige.
Silk embroidery is very beautiful and obviously is very time consuming. We did purchase a small picture and this is a happy reminder of the journey.FENGDU!! Now this was a experience with some variation and I was not allowed to forget my blunder by stepping 'out of line', or was it over the line. The ladies did rub this one in!
Fengdu's attraction is, what is known as, 'The City of Ghosts'. It is situated on top of a hill overlooking the Yangtze River and we chose to take the comfort of - no, not wheelchairs but, chairlifts:
On top were quite a number of temples and other buildings all dedicated to the worship of Buddha, and right on top, 'the place of hell'! So, let us give you a brief pictorial tour:
This is all pretty idyllic!
There were of course the inevitable shops, vendors and artists.
These people really are Opportunists in a big way. But we were happy to purchase a couple of hand-painted perfume bottles personalised with Georgie and Karina's names.
But then there was a substantial collection of ancient craft exhibits:
And the next one? Ancient - definitely NOT! Arty - don't think so; that is Carol's forte! Crafty - some people think so!
And finally, we are on top
Of course, there is a pagoda
But I loved the excellent craftsmanship on these buildings:
Oh, and I mustn't forget my attempts at being Tarzan; I just couldn't lift this thing and why did I try?
On our way back to the boat, we purchased a few bargains and moved on:
After four wonderful nights and three incredible days, it was time to say goodbye to our ship 'Yangtze Pearl'.
As the last evening turned it on, all we can do is SMILE:
Chongqing, the largest city in China and perhaps in the world. I don't know. 32 Million people is quite a crowd! And they have a WAL-MART! Unbelievable but here is proof:
Our main interest was to visit the Chongqing Zoo where Pandas are kept. 
We were under strict instructions from the grandchildren to visit and say g'day to these wonderful creatures. So the zoo it was and on not only did we find the pandas, but also Chinese folk busy doing their exercises:
A little introduction:
And finally, the Panda. No, not the one with a baseball cap, but the guy in the background:
I'll give you a close-up, which just shows how beautiful these animals are. 
She was having her breakfast on bamboo leaf. Bon appetite!
We were both thrilled to have the opportunity to visit the pandas.
It was great to see other unusual animals, but we were both sad to see them cooped up in small confinement - it just didn't seem right. Just look at this wonderful orang-utan:
and this fine specimen of a Siberian bear:
We couldn't get over the fact that in a city of 32 million people, there is room for this wonderful zoo and the delightful gardens in which it is set. So, let us leave you with just a couple of farewell shots of Chongqing showing a section of the gardens:
1 comment:
once again, amazing photos. i especially like the ones of the embroidery, painting, and walmart :-P
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