Back for the second trip of the year. Headed out on Friday, flying Hainan Airlines from Seattle. The food options were heavily Asian and the drinks were warm but they had completely flat seats and offered American miles so I was happy!
Saturday and Sunday we spent in Beijing, making plans for our upcoming work and trying to get reacclimated.
On Monday, we met our Chinese business partners early and set out for the Beijing airport. We were heading to Chongqing to visit one of the Branch offices.
On Monday, we met our Chinese business partners early and set out for the Beijing airport. We were heading to Chongqing to visit one of the Branch offices.
While waiting we saw one of the new Airbuse 380's taxing out for take-off (wings stayed on):
The flight down was packed and there was a lot of turbulence. Not sure if it was the bouncing or the Chicken Ball lunch or the other odors in the cabin, but my travelling companion turned white. Fortunately we landed safely and all was well.
Chongqing is another one of those Chinese cities that you probably have never heard of --- bigger than LA with another endless array of high rises. It's unique however in that it is is built into the mountains and sits on the edge of the Yangtze and another river --- quite picturesque and the climate seems nice.
Our translator said that it's considered a desireable place to live particularly amongst those in Beijing and Shanghai. The cost of living is lower, the pace is slower and the weather, scenery and air quality are better.
The secondary river was quite low. We thought they had lowered it to work on this new bridge they are building (you never know in China). However, they said it was just because the rainy season had not yet started.
That evening we went to a famous Hot Pot restaurant overlooking the Yangzte. Lots of interesting things that you could throw into your personal pot of boiling soup: tripe, goose livers, some additional intestine type parts and various other meats.
Afterwards we took a tour of the city. They love their bling:
When the lights come up, however, you go back to looking at a fair amount of dirty laundry.
Here for a few days. Will try to post more.
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