Cruising up the Yangtze River

Today, Thursday, it is already a week since we left the UK & the time has gone really quickly.

"Coming into harbour at Wuhan alongside a brightly lit up river boat"

After cruising all day yesterday we eventually arrived in Wuhan at 8.30pm and were allowed 'free time' to explore on our own (as long as we signed a disclaimer form at reception!). The heat and humidity hit us as we left the ship and we were very glad we hadn't arrived earlier when the sun was out in force. As with all the cities we've visited so far, Wuhan, is a city of contrasts. We walked along the port-side with run-down bars and seedy looking characters sitting on the pavement - the smell of raw fish, from what we assumed was the local fish market, was quite overwhelming and we were not quite sure whether the pavement was wet with water or something else!

However, after about 300-400m we turned the corner and could quite easily have been in London's West End - modern Western shops with numerous neon signs (the Chinese seem to love these) and people everywhere all dressed western-style.

Shopping for souvenirs was high on every one's list as well as a trip to Wall Mart to buy some decent coffee! (There's only so much Chinese tea you can take!) One of our party had a bit of a shock in Wall Mart when a large fish (about 40cm long) jumped out of the open tank at the fishmongers and landed at her feet! The tank was full of an array of fish and other water creatures just waiting for someone to choose them for dinner - at least you can guarantee your fish is fresh!!

On our way back to the ship the contrast between East and West was again apparent with local traders/restaurateurs selling their wares on the roadside - open BBQs stood on the road itself with noodles, rice, 'fresh' (!) vegetables & meat arranged alongside. Cars, bicycles, vans, buses & mopeds weaved in & out of the vendors and the people walking in the road (as there was no room to walk on the pavement) - there are pedestrian crossings but the green man doesn't seem to mean anything so you take your life in your hands when you step off the pavement! Fortunately we had already eaten but I suspect we would have had to be very hungry to risk eating here!

We were glad to get back to the air-conditioned ship and, as is the custom on board after each trip, we were welcomed by the ship's crew with cold, wet flannels and a refreshing cup of lukewarm Chinese tea.

Today has been another full day of cruising so an opportunity to soak up the rays on the sun-deck. It remains very hazy with a warm breeze which takes the edge off the heat but less than ideal conditions for taking photos. The river widens and narrows at different points but we can always see both banks - we are slowly moving away from the industrial areas and most of the scenery today has been rural - some boat-building and lots of farming.

There have been a number of presentations/lectures on board to keep us occupied, including basic Chinese (Mandarin), traditional silk painting & silk embroidery.

We had a tour of the bridge this afternoon and were fascinated to see a number of potted Bonsai trees arranged as a garden on the deck just outside the bridge window - for the Captain I believe!

We have been keeping our eyes peeled for the almost extinct Yangtze Dolphin (although thought to be extinct they now estimate there may be as many as 60-200 left in the wild). Some of our party spotted some finless porpoises yesterday which are more common although still under threat. However, if you look at the colour of the river water (brown & muddy) it's amazing that any living creature could survive in it. However, we are assured by our guide that the colour is due to the high mineral content!

After dinner tonight the crew are putting on a Chinese fashion show which promises to be a colourful affair and another photo opportunity.

We're also looking forward to reaching the Three Gorge Dam tomorrow and will tell you all about that next time!

Signing off for now - lots of love from us both,

Carol & John xx