Feb 28 2008

Today was our big rendezvous to the Xian airport.  We got up around 9:30 and packed up our stuff, Jes was feeling pretty rough.  We checked out and received our deposit of 100 rmb back from the front desk, which I pocketed to save for our airport ride.  We decided to get a late breakfast at the café, since it was our last and ohhh sooo yummy.  So of course I got my vanilla latte and a very good omelette, Jes got the same as usual but ordered his eggs sunny side up.  Not so wise in China I guess, the eggs looked like they were cracked right onto the plate! Yuck! We finished brunch at 12 or so and decided to make our way the 3 blocks to get to the airport shuttle, since the wifi in the café wasn't working.  We said our goodbyes and threw on our packs (yeah right, I'd probably put my back out if I did that!) and were on our way.  It was pretty funny to see everyone stare at us in interest, especially Jes, while we made our way to the shuttle.  That was a long 3 blocks!  We stood by the road side waiting for the shuttle, during which we probably had 5 taxi guys approach us to give us a deal to the airport.  One guy said he'd only charge 60rmb (when the shuttle was 54) figure that one out.  It was only a short wait for the shuttle, we found a seat at the front, with the most room.  A lady soon came to take our money, I gave her the 100rmb I had received from the hostel, only to have her laugh at me!  "No no no no" she said "this a fake".  What?  Our hostel wouldn't do that, would they?  Jes had another 100 on him, thank goodness, so she showed us the difference.  Sure enough you could feel it, the fake was much thinner and didn't have any ridges on the picture of Mao.   We were so angry!   Anyways, our trip to the airport was pretty painless and soon we arrived at the domestic terminal.  About 3 hours early, think we're a bit paranoid??  Time went pretty quick and we were able to check in at 3 for our 5:20 flight.  The security was, interesting, very congested and confusing when it came to the security people telling you what to do, but it is China!  I think if I didn't take my sweater off for Canada security they'd probably strip search me!   They told Jes to put the laptop back in the bag, he left his sweater and belt on, which set off the metal detector.  The woman at security waved her wand over Jes, beeping right and left, then told him to move along.  We waited a long 2 hours to board our flight.  Then another long half hour waiting for our plane to take off, due to congestion, but that's China!  I had a nap, so it worked out!  We flew with China Eastern, they were very friendly and... we actually had some leg room!  They served us tuna sandwiches, Jes' had one teaspoon of tuna in it, other than that it was bread and some small bottles of water.  They had hot sandwiches, but they were obviously a popular choice, since they quickly ran out.  Note to self sit in the first 10 rows on China Eastern.  We arrived about a half hour late to Chengdu, but our driver was still there waiting for us.  Phew!  Our drive through Chengdu was very interesting, lots of bright neon lights.  It looked more exciting than Xian, so I hope it'll be good.  The drive was very confusing and the road system seems difficult to navigate.  Soon we arrived and checked in to Sim's Cozy Guesthouse, which is more like an apartment!  We paid for our ride and our first night.  We also inquired about the panda tour, which is the reason we're here.  It costs 1000rmb to hold a baby panda, for 2.3 seconds, I want to sooo bad.  Backpacking sucks!!  We made our way up to our room which is on the third floor, of course the elevator is broken.  We actually have one bed!  A window!  A shower curtain!  This is awesome!  We thought we'd find something to eat and hit up a bank.  We walked a couple blocks in the dim light from the streets and found a whole-the-wall ATM.  So Jes scouted while I took out the money.  We headed  back to the hostel, only to see THE smallest dog I have ever seen!  I just wanted to put him in my purse and run away, the lady kept giving me funny looks....  So I tore myself away and we headed back.  On our way into the hostel entrance this little dog comes running out barking at us!  He was probably the length of Jes' foot.  He came up and sniffed us, then started to bite my shoe!  We walked into the hostel entrance, me with this little dog pulling me along and paid for our panda tour for tomorrow.  The whole time this little dog was attacking my shoe, practically pulling me down!!  It was pretty funny to see I'm sure.  We went to the café and both got fried rice, Jes' with bacon (of course) and mine with shrimp.  They were very good, even had a bit of zing to them, but hey, we are in the province of Sichuan!  I decided to write our last hostel and inform them what happened and how unacceptable it was!  So it'll be interesting to see what they have to say.  Jes was feeling pretty sick and I felt like I was coming down with it too.  So we decided to head to bed.  I am soo excited about the pandas, I don't know if I'll be able to sleep!!  Chao for now!  

Zoe and her beloved carmel latte

Zoe

Puppy sleeping

Restaurant in Chengdu

On the computer