Yi chang
Trip Start
Jul 28, 2006
1
16
86
Trip End
Ongoing
Yi Chang,
China
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Shen gave us a bonus visit to a silk factory. We learned how silk is produced and then went into the showroom where beautiful duvets and silk comforters were displayed. I broke down and bought a new bed set for my bed-it is red and gold with some blue in a very traditional pattern. Along with my gold antique kimono I got in Tokyo, I will be in an Asian paradise.
At Yiching we were met by our local guide, Sally, who gave us a real treat when she stopped to visit a local farm family. It was a little weird, but we toured their home, photographed their kids
and learned how they harvest their wheat fields. Since 80% of the Chinese reside in the rural areas this gave us a real picture of Chinese life
Chinese Embrodiery
. The farmers raise two crops-rice that along with corn, squash and other vegetables provide their food supply and tangerines that is their cash crop. The region is also famous for their intricate silk embroidery so we stopped at a gallery to see their amazing work. But the real industry of Yichang now comes from the construction work on the Three Gorges Dam. Yichang is the closest city to the site and now has a population of over 1 million. Engineers from around the world also come to the city to study the more than 300 dams that have been built in the area. Many different styles of bridges have also been developed. After yet another Chinese dinner we went to the boat where a band greeted us. Check- in was chaotic and Matt and I opted for separate rooms when we saw the size. He claims I snore and talk in my sleep (!!?!!) so he needs some distance from me. It was an extra $300 but if it makes him happy...each room has its own balcony so I am looking forward to seeing the amazing scenery from my room.
