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DAY 4- 28th AUGUST 2008Day 4- 28th Aug 08

On board the 4stars cruise ( we were actually promised of a 5 stars cruise)

DAY 2 of SAN XIA

We woke up at around 6 to wash up and 6.30am to eat breakfast. They gave announcements for all the major programs. At the breakfast table, there were plain porridge, small side dishes, hard boiled eggs, sugar solution and pao.

We were cruising in the san xia so we were told to go up to the deck for sight-seeing. It was raining heavily and it was really cold. They sold umbrellas and ponchos at quite an expensive price. There were 2 professional photographers too who offered phototaking services.

Some cool things that were noted:
· There were coffin burials in between cavities of mountains. It was one of their age-old tradition and the coffins were hanging in mid air and they were only supported by 2 wooden planks. =X( how they could carry up there remained a mystery)

· There was a huge bird nest cave. :)

birdnest cave!

We went down the cruise to smaller boats which were rowed by men staying around the mountainous area. In total, there were 6 men, 4 at the front and 2 at the back. 1 of the front men played an important role in the later stages. He was slacking until the water got really choppy. We witnessed 拉纤， which was rarely seen in the world anymore and it was their hometown tradition.

As we passed by the mountains, there was a guy who was sitting at the bank, blowing a tune to welcome us. Aww. Such friendliness coming for a village folk.

The great scenery!- Usually, in Chinese paintings, you get to see mountains & rivers. Yup! We are seeing this all right in front of our eyes!

The entire day was really wet and we had to walk in the rain when we alighted to visit the temple. There were ancient artifacts from the three kingdoms time. There were statues of all kinds and one was headless. The main focus was on Liu Bei, Zhu Ge Liang, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. It was quite eerie though.

The steps leading to the temple of Liu Bei, Zhu Ge Liang, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

Me and dina is sitting on are sedans. There will be folks carrying us to the place we want, of course you have to pay.

Ancient Chinese writings

Some of the famous status of the well known 3 kingdom heroes.

A tour guide explained about the difference in tomb wood and linked to the wooden comb which the people there sold. It was supposed to have health benefits… Really? After we went back onboard, we were invited to the Dinner and Dance which was the cruise activity at the Karaoke room.

All of us enjoyed the crazy fun night with rounds of Singing. Initially, some (who I will not name), were so reluctant to sing ar! HAHA. In the end... you can guess it yourself!

Chinese people seemed to like folk dancing as they waltz to the tune which they chose. There were a few couples that danced. We just looked on. Every where on the streets in the nights, there will be music playing and many couples waltzing. This is probably one of their fav past times!