Today all that’s on the docket is traveling to Wuhan. However, no wake up call was needed because we’re not leaving the hotel early. Checked bags need to be out at 11 am and we meet at 1 pm in the lobby to leave for the airport.
Unfortunately, knowing I could sleep in didn’t help as I was up after just four hours of sleep. (This is when I got to check out the room’s TV channels, enjoy that fabulous shower and read.)
The breakfast room was much quieter today and I meant to go back with my camera before breakfast ended at 10 am but feel asleep for a couple more hours.
Before I knew it the morning was over and it was time to meet the bus. The night before John had told us we’d have lunch at the airport and then dinner on the plane. Thank goodness those plans changed.
Xi’an Lunch
We boarded the bus to learn that our local guide, Jason, had arranged for us to have lunch at a restaurant before heading to the airport. The restaurant was at a hotel that also had a Tang Dynasty Opera theater.
The restaurant served a buffet lunch that was extensive and very good.
There was four stations for noodles: won ton soup , stretchy noodles, cold noodles and buckwheat noodles.
Another local specialty Jason encouraged us to try was their version of a hamburger which was a puffy pita type shape with roast pork being the burger. Unfortunately the port wasn’t good so I stuffed the bun with other lunch items and enjoyed it.
We also for the first time had unlimited beer and soda. To top it all off there was dessert other than oranges!
The lobby had some neat things to see (jade ship, ornate furniture) as well.
When we left the restaurant it was straight to the airport. We said our good-byes to our driver and Jason before grabbing a Subway bag with turkey sandwich, banana and bottle of water. We had to drink the water in the pre-security area or throw it away unfortunately.
John took our luggage to the airport earlier so we didn’t have to individually check it in like we did in Beijing. There were two or three people who had to go deal with banned items in their luggage but after that we headed through security.
One gate change later, it was time to board. I learned from last time to line up as soon as they start to ensure overhead space. Every seat was taken and this time I had a middle seat next to Mary. She is from England and traveling with a life-long friend, Sondra.
Dinner served by the airline was what the flight attendant called a “rice hamburger”.
It appeared to have mushrooms in it and actually wasn’t bad. Many people in the group wouldn’t eat it.
I had that along with half my subway sandwich (it had gotten a bit soggy) and the banana in the subway bag. Both of our domestic flights didn’t have a drink cart. Instead they passed out bottled water.
When we got to Wuhan it seemed to go smoother in collecting everyone than Xi’an.
Our luggage was coming off as we got to the carousel and it was a brief walk outside to the bus. Since we’re in Wuhan just overnight there wasn’t a local guide.
John told us to have bags out at 7 am and we leave the hotel an hour later. He encouraged people to walk around the hotel area if they want but it was dark and late, so I didn’t venture out. I’m sure some did and saw some interesting sights.
Don’t miss the previous China posts linked below.
Going to China (tour and visa)
China: Trip Preparations
November 12-13, 2016: Travel to Beijing
November 14, 2016: Beijing and Great Wall
November 14, 2016: Ming Tombs and Peking Duck Dinner
West International Trade Hotel Beijing
November 15, 2016: Hutong and Temple of Heaven
November 15, 2016: Tiananmen Square, Fobidden City and Beijing Opera
November 16, 2016: Pearl Factory and Summer Palace
November 16, 2016: Traveling to Xi’an
November 17, 2016: Jade Factory and Terra Cotta Warriors
November 17, 2016: Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Opera
Grand Barony Xian Hotel
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