Today was the day that we had to go from Beijing to Nanjing via high-speed train. You can opt to take the train or take the plane. Almost the whole group took the train, except for two. It was a super early morning, had to wake up at 6AM and no later so that we can pack and then meet the rest of the tour group at 7AM in the lobby. We don't get to use our AYCE ticket that day, so sad. The tour guide provided us with water and bread to eat, and he asked us if we still have our breakfast coupon, to which we said that we gave it back to the reception after checking out. The tour guide was asking everybody to give him the breakfast tickets so that he can get a REFUND- he didn't explicitly say refund (saw him talking to the employees). We had to drop two people at the airport first and then they dropped us off at the train station.
Once we got off at the train station, we went inside but we didn't know what to do and where to go. I was quite surprised that our group was quite cohesive and worked together, watching and guiding each other. There was a security check at the front where they scan you and have you put your bags through the scanner. We had 1-1.5 hours to spare at the station. Thus, me and my sister went exploring and by chance we found a ticket machine and decided to check out the price. The ticket we got only cost around $80 CND. What a rip-off!. The tour agency in Canada charged us $120 CND for the mandatory high-speed train. These tour agencies are totally trying to rip you off! I mean, we could've gotten 1st class seats with that price.
Initially, it was quite confusing and difficult trying to locate our gate because the train that you get on can be anyone of them, so you have to watch for the announcement with your destination and time. We lined up 10 minutes before the train arrived, but once the gate is open, everybody mobbed the entrance so really, there was no use lining up.
It took approximately 3 hours to get to our destination, "Nanjing". Once out of the platform, we had to look for our new tour guide. We stood there for quite a while, and some people decided to search around for him/her. Anyways, once we met up with the new tour guide we went straight to lunch. And he notified us that the "other group" is already at the restaurant. So our tour group became a group of 20+ people. Damn it.
After lunch we went to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen mausoleum. This guy is famous - the father of China. You can clearly see all the tour groups arriving at the same time. It's like certain times are dedicated just for tour groups. When you arrive, you can choose to take a little bus to the mountain bottom or hike up - bus cost around $2 CND and I thought this was included in the attraction expense for the tour ($150USD attraction fees), but apparently not. Nevertheless, you will still have to walk part of the way. IMO, I'd rather hike up and enjoy the green scenery.
Up the long flight of stairs -reminds me of the cathedral in Macau.
You can go in for free, it's basically just circular walk around this statue. Apparently, you cannot take pictures while inside, but if you are outside then you can.
Money inside a pot, a broken pot at that.
View from the top.
There was a lot of people trying to rub this chamber. For good luck?
Also, while we were walking down the stairs, we encountered a situation that I thought was fake when I watched it on youtube. Basically, in the middle of the stairs you see a woman (in 30-40s) yelling frantically and angrily at her husband while slapping him in the face. The husband (I presume) was kneeling on the ground and did not utter a word. He just knelled there while the wife (I presume) slapped him, god knows how many times (at least 10 times)- it was super loud slapping, along with the murderous yelling. I don't understand what the woman was yelling about since it was in Mandarin, but the bystanders told the woman to stop hitting him and to talk it out. The woman said that "you don't know what's wrong". I guess maybe infidelity? I mean, the husband looks so sad and ashamed. Who would just kneel and assaulted in a public place just to be shamed by someone you love/loved? Anyways, we left soon enough since we are on a schedule.
Next stop "Dongshuiguan Old City Wall Ruins".
How the ruins looks like at the top.
What you see on top of the ruins. Free to climb.
Afterwards, the tour-guide brought us to the Confucius Temple area for some shopping- real shopping! We get an hour to ourselves. The admiring the ancient architecture is a joy in itself.
Many shops that sells little souvenirs and Chinese food.
This is the supposedly "stinky tofu" that we got, but it wasn't stinky at all. Taste like regular tofu. It was 10 yuan for 6 pieces, so a bit under $2 CND.
This is the famous Wende bridge overlooking the Qinhuai River.
AWWWW. Don't those trashcans look soo CUTE?!
I think this is the Confucius temple. We didn't go in cause I think you have to pay?
It's so pretty how there are so many red lanterns hanging around this place; it kind of reminds me of the time I went to Chinatown in San Francisco- the same phenomenon.
To end the day, we went to dinner and the itinerary said that we were supposed to cruise along the Qinhuai River, but we didn't cause it was too late- said Mr. tour-guide. Punch him in the face. I don't recall where we went for the mandatory shopping. Anyways, we arrived at a new hotel, "Hilton Nanjing Riverside Hotel".
Every time we arrive at the hotel, it is always nighttime.
The entrance way which is quite spacious, and definitely very clean.
The beds; there's actually 3 bed, one on the side - just a fold-up bed.
The bathroom is huge! What I dislike is that there are no locks on the doors. Hate. I was taking a shower and my mother walks in- how rude, I told her not to. There's two doors to allow you to get into the bathroom.
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