School Visit

We woke up again today with gray skies and rain.  Temperature was a cool 50 degrees.  After a leisurely breakfast, we boarded our motorcoach and traveled for about an hour to visit a local school. Our group visited a first grade class of 65 with one teacher in a relatively small room.  The children performed for us and we were able to interact with them.  As you might expect, the students were very loud as they were excited to see us.  Also they were typical first graders in picking at one another and one little boy was seeing how far he could put a pencil up his nose.  Everyone in Tennessee should be very proud of the schools that our children attend.

Our delicious lunch today consisted of some Chinese delicacies-Pig ears,  Pig tails, chicken feet, lotus root and dried tofu. Yum,Yum!

Chinese First Grade

Chicken Feet

Pig Tails

The Little Emperor

Three Gorges Dam

We left our boat this morning in intermittent rain for a tour of the Dam. High 55 degrees

Opened in 2008, the Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest artificial generator of electric power from a renewable source. Costing $28 billion, it is the most expensive hydroelectric project in history.

We had an afternoon sail through the Xiling Gorge.  At nearly 50 miles long, the Xiling Gorge is the longest of the three gorges. Pearl presentation later. There are many shops onboard and are able to make custom made clothing.

Saturday Morning Tour

This morning we departed our boat for smaller boats to The Goddess Stream-the true highlight of the region, offering spectacular views that cannot be seen anywhere else in China.  We really enjoyed this cruise and the rain has stopped and the high is mid-fifties.  After lunch a scenic afternoon cruise. Tonight at 9:15 pm we will have a passage through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks.

The Goddess Stream

This is Me Dancing the night away

Cruising Along the Yangtze

Today we spent the morning cruising on the Yangtze River-the world's third longest river (15 miles longer than the Mississippi).  It was raining and in the afternoon some of us went to see the extraordinary Shibaozhai Pagoda-an exquisite example of ancient Chinese architecture in the form of the Precious Stone Fortress. Some of the hearty of the group climbed the 99 steps to the temple.  In the evening we had a very good Chinese dinner onboard.  The sweet and sour fish was our favorite.

We arose early to see spectacular scenery as we sailed through the Qutang Gorge. Enjoyed  a delicious buffet breakfast then we were treated to more scenic sailing through Wu Gorge.

Captain's Cocktail Party

Chongqing

Today was a travel day. We arrived this evening in Chongqing-a city of 33 million inhabitants.  A fantastic light show awaited us from the many high rise buildings in this city.  Mile after mile of 50 plus story buildings.  Las Vegas lights times ten. Most of us agreed that we have never seen anything like this before.  A wonderful evening meal aboard the Viking Emerald.  Sailing out at 9:30 pm

Lights of Chongqing

Imperial Jewels Of China!

Oct 21-Nov 3, 2016    

IMPERIAL JEWELS OF CHINA
Beijing to Shanghai
Nov 3-7, 2016 Hong Kong

We are so excited to be going to China!  This phenomenal trip will present China’s key highlights in just 13 days.

In Beijing, we will explore historic imperial treasures like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and walk through Tiananmen Square- the world’s largest public venue.  We will also visit Xian and look into the faces of the Terra Cotta Warriors.

And we will cruise the legendary Yangtze River and visit the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel that has changed the face of China.

Beijing, Xian, Chongqing, Shibaozhai, Three Gorges Dam, Jingzhou, Wuhan, Shanghai

More Fun Onboard

Last night after  dinner many of us went up to the lounge to participate in the Kara's night of musical trivia and to hear Giovanni do some rock and roll on the piano. Linda demonstrated some line dancing steps and many came up and took part.  Lots of fun!  Giovanni let loose with "Johnny Be Good" and Paula, Cricket, Gloria and Patsy all formed a circle doing the twist!  Debbie was on the side lines as official photographer. Giovanni changed to a slower pace and the Humphrey's enjoyed cutting loose to. "Pretty Woman".  They stayed on the floor and were joined by the Bolin's, the Hash's, Linda and Terry, and Chip and Debbie to Giovanni rocking out Proud Mary."  The night ended on an up beat moment. Fun, fun evening!!