Thursday, December 6, 2007

China Odyssey, Day 22 - Lhasa, Tibet to Chengdu



Day 22 - Lhasa to Chengdu
Thursday December 6
Travel Day, Western Dinner

Our trip to the Lhasa airport was highlighted by a stop to photograph mandarin ducks and a Buddha painted on rocks. The Tibetans are the most spiritual people we have ever visited.

Mandarin Ducks




Cliffside Shrine on the Airport Road
Hanging in Tatters are Many Prayer Shawls

Our flight was delayed but uneventful. We arrived in Chengdu and were met by our local tour guide Charlene, who happens to be George's fiancée.

Tour Guides George and Charlene


Charlene gave a brief history of Sichuan province and the city of Chengdu. Si means four and Chuan means river. There are 4 major rivers in Sichaun province; hence the name Sichaun. Chengdu translates into “becoming a city”. It is the home of many tea houses, which are used for 3 purposes; business, news exchanges, and socialization. Tea houses are an integral part of Chengdu life style.

After a luxurious hot shower at our very nice hotel, we rested and took some pictures.

Chengdu Hotel Lobby

Juxaposition of the Old and the New
As Seen From Our Hotel Room


At 6:30 we had what was billed as a western dinner. New Zealand steak and Boneless Pork Chops. Dinner was good; the steak had an au poivre sauce, and the pork chops an oriental flavor.

Hotel Dining Room



Alternate Chengdu Dining Opportunity


Keith is beginning to crave meat loaf with mashed potatoes and brown gravy. No soy sauce, please!

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