Nanjing Rest Day

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NANJING: REST DAY



Last night ate Salted Boiled Duck the speciality of Nanjing. The duck was probably boiled in brine. It was mildly salty and delicious and made you thirsty for a second SNOW beer, only 2.75%. Subsequently ordered other equally delicious dishes. 7 of us at dinner. Meal cost for a very satisfying meal and 2 beers ea. 61 RMB ( $11)



This morning, after a very poor breakfast, walked down to the city wall. Nanjing old town is surrounded by a 33.5 km wall built by the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Each brick used in the construction is enshrined with the name of the village in which it was built, and in some instances by the individual craftsman. The wall offered good views over this huge city. It was a blue sky, turned white by the excessive smog. The air of the GC is heaven in comparison.



Confucius was from this area and there is a temple nearby.



Nanjing was the site of the rebellion against the Japanese oppressors in 1937. Many Chinese were slaughtered in the rebellion, which turned the tide on the Japanese invasion. Many of those war hardened Japanese fought Australians in the western Pacific and on the Kokoda Trail.



Then visited Purple Mountain, Zhanyuan Garden, intending to see the Sun Yet Sen memorial. He was born here. He was the last leader in China before Mao. Fled to Taiwan in late 1940s. Also he fled Nanjing when the Japanese attacked , not a popular action.



Went for a city walk, Nanjing appears to be a very wealthy city, many upmarket malls with name brand stores and hi end locals, Starbucks everywhere and crowded, people generally well dressed, although Chinese fashion differs to western fashion, colours in lurid tones. One good thing -no thongs!



Returned for the boiled duck. Very good, although service not as good, it must have been having as Asian with us that made the difference.



A pretty tiring day for a rest day.

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Comments

[Brett Walton]

Bike Trip!
Hi Roger, Sounds like you are now in the swing of the ride and seeing some wonderful sights along the way. The photos are great and the description of the area is also a good read. Cheers Brett & Girls