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Published: June 25th 2017
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Geo: 24.45, 118.08
A travel day for us as we continue our journey towards the Coast. A leisurely start to the day with anticipated departure time at 10.30. We were the only guests in the entire breakfast room at 9.00 and thoroughly enjoyed the privacy and intimacy of our "Parisian" breakfast in the 300 seat venue.
Our first stop this morning is the Guilin Pearl Factory - my last China purchase as part of my birthday present. After a five minute introduction to the pearl (it was a bit like the Pearl Show at the EKKA @AuntyGail, complete with the opening of the pearl demo) we made a beeline to the showroom (massive) and the brooches. I went in thinking I was going to purchase a salt water pearl but changed my mind when I saw the pink of the freshwater pearls. Mac was tempting me with the "investment pieces" but once I saw the soft, gentle, warm pink of the freshwater pearls I was not interested in the real deal. After much consideration...and many changes of mind.... I am now the proud owner of a beautiful flower brooch featuring a single soft pink pearl - thanks @Michael, @Anthony and @Melinda....my shopping is
complete: I have jade, silk and pearls....Mac has a yak leather belt....that sounds about right!
We said farewell to Wendy and Chen. What a team. We will certainly miss them! Still can't believe that Wendy was 43 with a 19 year old daughter...she seriously looked about 30. Wendy told us that if we moved to the relaxed Guilin we could look as young as she did (I don't think she was telling us we looked old). We will miss Wendy's morning and afternoon hugs and I will miss Chen calling me 'Beautiful Lady?' It was like visiting with two rellies....it was so comfortable and familiar. Very fond memories for us of the beautiful Guilin.
With a slight delay on the Tarmac and 70 minutes flying time I am done. Made in China Part 2 is complete and could be a possibility for @Carolyn .... Am going to start on Part 3 to cover all gender bases - but my handy work and flying crochet hook did keep a couple of the ladies on the plane fascinated.
Our friendly China Holidays Guide, Lucy, was waiting for us at the gate and Lucy looks about 12, but she really is 25. Our new driver (no
Before and after too many courses!
..not to mention a little bit of alcohol! name yet) is well versed with the dodging and weaving of traffic in Xiamen. But we were at the Days Inn very quickly - and declined an offer to visit the local bamboo factory and associated shopping outlet. And after a room change (two singles to a queen) expertly facilitated by Lucy, we were set in our very very purple room.....with a view of the bathroom (don't quite get this...but it has been a feature in China).
We were solo today for lunch and dinner. We skipped lunch because we were recovering from breakfast but certainly made up for it at dinner. With the help of a translation app, a few pictures in the menu and a very patient waitress we ordered up a storm that included 8 courses AND a bottle of wine! The one drink limit was thrown out the window and we chewed, munched and scoffed our way through noodles, dumplings, wontons, stuffed buns, pig's trotters, beef, pork, a whole fish, veges, soup, fruit and every drop of the "Made in China" riesling ....and then fronted up for coffee and chocolate mousse. Oh dear, I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Weather outlook is not great for tomorrow...we may be
Another room with a view!
And this blind is motorised! climbing the mountains in the rain. Just need to be sure our new driver takes it easy...I have the feeling he is related to our Jiuzhaigou mountain man!
Pedometer Reading: 6 309
Temperature: Guilin 24 C and raining, Xiamen 25 C overcast
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Aunty Gail
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Just lovin' your magnificent brooch........and after that magnificent feast, I'm thinking you will need lots more stairs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!