City to City by Air Then To Peace Hotel

Early day starts with breakfast of bananas and coconut juice. Liu arrives 6:45 am with news that Kate must go to hospital for five days. Father very angry with doctors. Taxi arrives 7:30 am, city part of journey to airport very slow, but would have been worse at a later start. Zhong constant chatter with driver. Accident at entrance to airport so taxi diverted to International Departures, having to carry cases to first floor. Pay 15 yuan airport tax then further 5 yuan after ticket check. Go to check-in, first in queue but must wait 40 minutes before opening. Steer Zhong through other formalities without problems.

Bought packet of preserved pineapple 10yuan, quite good. Down stairs to Gate 20 then bussed to plane. Late getting to seats, so overhead luggage space full. Zhong gets window seat for his first journey by plane. Cold lunch box served, good and ample. 90 minute flight to Shanghai, views not spectacular. On arrival, long walk to baggage collection. Must pay 4 yuan for trolley. Walk past taxi touts to official rank. Lots of construction work in progress, but buildings of less character than old buildings near Peace hotel. Hotel 3 star only but much in demand and very convenient being near The Bund, Huangpo River, and shopping streets. Receptionist takes photo-coy of Mastercard, as security for extras. Phone about air tickets to Changsha, must collect on Saturday morning.

Have nap then walk through underpass to riverside. 'The Bund at Sunset' wonderful atmosphere enjoyed by strolling Chinese people. No other 'westerner' in sight. Find side street cafe for supper; five dish meal 96 yuan. Zhong says very expensive; his monthly wage 150 yuan, but a good shirt costs 8 yuan and trousers 18 yuan, in Huaihua shops. Back to the BUND after our meal. Polaroid photographers touting for business. Six and seven barge 'trains' going up-river. Stroll back to hotel; money-changers on patrol near entrance.