Day 16: All aboard the Polar Express!
Ok, not really. But today we do travel to Changzhou by train. And we didn’t have to leave the hotel until 1pm. Yay!
As you can see, we are pretty rested.
I snapped a few last pictures of the city as we drove to the train station. Nothing special, but it gives you an idea of what the average city in China looks like.
Due to construction, we had to take a detour on and unpaved road, under underpasses being built. It was a little crazy.
We arrive at the train station. It’s HUGE!
We board the train. It’s very nice, and very roomy. Soooo much better than the bus or even a plane, which is great because we are on this sucker for 6 + hours O.o
All in all, we take up 46 seats.
The train is moving at 100-110 mph, but it totally doesn’t feel like it. Such a smooth ride. Here’s what it looks like from the outside:
Beautiful scenery along the way …
We pass so many little cities, or towns even, that are under construction. The entire country is under construction.
Larry was telling me that there there was a halt in construction after the 1950’s. It wasn’t until the 80’s and 90’s that a bit of new stuff began to pop up, and currently they are in a construction boom. So in every city there are old buildings, many decrepit looking, and then brand new buildings right next to each other. And then buildings under construction everywhere. And by buildings, I mean highrises.
Anyway, we arrive at our hotel, and it’s pretty nice. Like 4 star quality. I guess I didn’t take any pics of it. Oops. But there was a lovely bride and groom taking pics in the lobby. There dresses are just so stunning here, I can’t help taking a pic :)
The view from our room was awesome. We could see Tianning Temple, which is among the must-see sights here.
We eat dinner, and then we head to bed. Phil has a long day tomorrow at the theater, and traveling really takes it out of us!