The Tour coaches getting into line at the Passenger Terminal.Good Day Everyone & Greetings from China!
Xingang is the gateway to the Capital of The People's Republic of China, Beijing. Covering an area of some 6,870 square miles and boasting a population of over 11 million, Beijing has been the seat of power in China since the day of Kublai Khan. At the heart of this immense metropolis lies the Forbidden City. Further a field, you can see the Great Wall and Summer Palace.
Our pilot boarded at 0400 hours and Arcadia was alongside her berth at 0600 hours. The local officials board and after the usual formalities we are now ready to take our passengers ashore on the wonderful excursions. No one is allowed to disembark until 0730 hours when all the coaches and all officials are in place to check photocopies of passports etc.
I did not sleep very well last night with all the excitement of knowing that I would be off to the Great Wall of China today!! One of the things on my 'list of things to do before I die'!!! So this is the day, and I look forward to reporting back to you on the trip.
A very exciting day at the office! This evening we will be sailing for Shanghai, another milestone port on this Inaugural Grand Voyage.
Best wishes,
James.
'The excitement of it all'
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2 comments:
Hi James,
When I went to Beijing with a friend, Zena, we were "kidnapped" in Tienamen Sqaure - no joke! It was frightening and funny all at the same time! We were locked in a room and when we escaped we ran and ran and ran and suddenly we heard a bang! I though I had been shot...it was a car driving over a crisp bag....but all of that is another story to tell when I am in great company at a table on a wondeful ship.....
I hope your trip to The Great Wall was fantastic.
"you buy one, you buy two??" I can hear them calling now....aah memories...
Remember when we were still in Southampton?? A great journey of 1000 miles always begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky radiator.....true?
Cannot wait to see the photos of the wall - I must show you my wall sometime, not as impressive but hey you cannot have everything can you? Where would you put it???
Love from "M" & "James" ( Louise & Tony). xxx
Hi Mr James,
I like your blog.
It helps me to see a lot of thing on the world.
They are so wonderful :)
Best regard,
Grace Nguyen
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