Overnight in Hangchou

Well, it's been quite a last 32 hours! After teaching classes on Thursday, and
lunch of rice, vegetables, meat and watermelon, we were taken to the train station for our first excursion to Hangchou. The head master kindly arranged for me to teach my classes in the morning, so we could all leave in the afternoon. Lily and Aki accompanied us, and all I've got to say is, that was a good THING!

I anticipated a smaller picturesque city near a beautiful lake. The reality was a huge metropolitan sprawl with one skyscraper after another and store upon store. Rolls Royce, Lambergini, and Bentley car dealers were one indication of the wealth. Armani, Vercace, Luis Vitton... every designer label was evident. Amidst this opulence were the thousands of cars and bicycles and motorcycles and peticabs and buses, lots of buses, that wove through the maze of streets! And the construction... lots of construction. The city is in the process of building an underground which might relieve some of the above ground congestion! Our guides led us to a bus that took us through the streets to the Starway Hotel... I shared a room with Elizabeth. After checking in, we headed out to eat dinner. On the street, we ran into an American man who suggested we eat at Bai Lu (White Deer) Restaurant. We took his advice and had a great dinner on the second floor of this very popular restaurant. Waiters were running up and down the stairs carrying plates loaded with fish and a wide variety of dishes.

Deciding what to eat and ordering is a challenge and would provide good fodder for Saturday Night Live. It is customary to order a number of dishes and share them. Aki and Lily worked so hard to make sure that each person could order what we wanted. This is a bit tricky when you can't read the menu and have no idea what is available. Pictures are very helpful!! On my way to our dining room I saw someone feasting on a plate of what looked like beef and green beans. It turns out it was beef and peppers, but anything tastes better with a nice cold beer! Note: Beer does not come cold unless requested! Bai Lu is a very good bargain and if I am ever back in Hangchou,...

On the way back to the hotel, I treated myself to a mango drink. Lots of vendors on the streets and places to buy steamed buns, meat on a stick and other unusual treats.

Felt great to hit the sack. The beds are very hard...

Good Night!




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Location:Fast train from Hangchou to Yuyao