Day 9
Our day started with a calligraphy lesson which was much harder than it looked!
Our teacher told us us children in China have to learn 5000 of these characters at school.
This is John’s attempt at writing ‘Go Swannies’, or so he said!
Our next stop was the Wild Goose Pagoda. High security to get in. Built originally in 707AD during the Tang Dynasty, it has lost several of its 15 storeys due to earthquakes. It’s most recent renovation was in 1986.
The gardens were beautiful, an escape from the city so close by!
A popular museum within the gardens was busy. It’s minimalist exhibits showed ancient treasures. Calligraphy, Jade and sculptures.
We then drove to our lunch spot, a fabulous buffet with freshly made dumplings.
Once we had all finished, a hostess came to our table to try and flog us souvenirs! Everything only 20 yuan! Check out the look on our faces!
I’m not sure if we all felt defeated or just wanted to offload our small notes, but she made a killing!
We bought the lot!
With one final look at the wall, we made our way to the airport and onto Guangzhou for the night.
As now a self-styled gang of 10, we remembered the lessons and tricks our previous leader Robyn had taught us last time we were in Guangzhou. Half went up to the transit hotel booking area while the other half watched the bags. Attack in a group and they deal with you quickly!
Our less than salubrious hotel was close by thank goodness, as we had a 9am flight the next day. We adjourned to the Wild West bar next door for a final Chinese beer or two with our mates Judy and Ian.
Kanga And Wombats Adventures 