We made it, from population of 200 to 15,000,000

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am



We made it, much to our surprise and a few others no doubt.



13 hours in transport, only two movies, slipping.



Finished a good novel of self-possession at Auckland airport, with Will Smith film Collateral Beauty at 20hours almost levitating with the beauty and inevitability of the human condition. Long may this last in the crush of humanity.



Landed 6.30, Hotel, shower and on the street by 9am, lets get amongst it KK



Long walk up the river, bar and food outlets, people exercising in every available space, large high rise and local markets, could have killed for a café after couple hours, hot and humid, not adventurous enough yet for the local food stops, eventually saved by the shopping mall food court. Jam packed, going off, large array of hot spicy Sichuan fast food, join the que point and hope, absolutely delicious, my friend glowing and puffing. My mates 15 hour sleep took care of the rest of the day.



Great little 3 star hotel, $60 for king suite, breakfast included, friendly staff, Baidu translator fills the gaps, other customers friendly and chatty, we have breakfast friends.



Had contacted Isabel, stayed with us on a small tour couple years ago, met her at her expat bar for lunch and head to Wenshu Monastery. Read a few stories of the order and buildings, then into the fun things, musical instruments, rose petal tea, the whole flower – delicious, the world famous in Chengdu bakery, cranks all day 9-9 no let up, Ques, what systems they must have ( great pics did not come out as sim card on big camera crapped out ) Then the same in noodle shop, small local, again going all day, Ques round the block, tasty tasty hot, again my friend sweating a river, glowing, giving it a go. Next, over the road for dinner a tray of tasting dishes, heaven, thank you Isabel. Travelling on the taste buds



Train out of monastery and taxi to the old streets, wall to wall people, street after street, still the school holidays, an experience, one purchase, Sichuan hot spice.



The next day picked up Tibet permit, passed over a wad of cash for the tour and piece of paper to get us into Tibet, KK not too sure we are not being scammed.



Visit the global canter with Isabel, largest floor space shopping center in the world, has a large fake beach, water fun park, 1000 room 5 star hotel beside the beach, and SHOPPING, Dubai style. Has to be done for the sheer gob smack.



A tasty Chinese meal with Lily to finish the day. Lily, one of our oldest Chinese connections through Hamish,s network. Has been Chinese tour group organiser now chocolatier and full time working, 100 mile an hour girl, quite exhausting for a laid back Kiwi.



Overall impressions so far, organised chaos, very friendly and helpful, people people people, Chengdu 15,000,000 one of Chinas smaller mega cities, pollution levels running a lot lower than 4 years ago, Baidu translator and map app a big help, KK wants more.



Alarm set for 3am for 4am airport,

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