Day 2 - 20th July 2002

The Hotel - 0745

A good nights sleep left us refreshed as we packed our stuff back into our suitcases this morning. We descended downstairs for breakfast. A breakfast in China is usually not as hearty as one in Hong Kong, European or American hotels. Most dishes are cold, warm at most and some do not accommodate our palate well. We exited the hotel and hurriedly boarded the bus as monetary penalties were imposed on late comers. I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of the outside world before the bus moved.

The Last Emperor's Palace - 0930

This morning, we were to visit one of Pu Yi's (China's last emperor) palaces. The palace would never be as large and grand as the Forbidden palace but a palace was a palace and each would have its own characteristics.

The palace was influenced by western and (possible) japanese architecture as is apparent in the main building. First, we took a tour to check out the history of the emperor in the side museum.

The tour guide optimistically guided us through the museum and we exited after learning a lot about the japanese manipulation of Pu Yi. We then donned plastic bags that covered our feet and entered the living quarters of the last emperor. Unfortunately, photo taking is forbidden when staff is present, hence the low number of photographs inside the palace.

The weather did not fare well and it was raining slightly as we entered another part of the house. The living quarters of Pu Yi were nothing compared to the villas of modern day society. The rooms were small and the conditions run down. We visited a most graphic gallery containing graphical evidence of the Japanese army's harsh treatment of the Chinese people. This was probably the only part the younger people opened their eyes a little wider. We then visited the offices of the japanese officials and saw that the offices were many more times magnificent compared to the house Pu Yi inhabited.

Having seen at least some grandeur, we entered the medium sized garden to become refreshed.

Refreshed in the bracing air, we trekked to the back of the garden to discover the air raid bunkers that were built to protect the officials (or maybe perhaps the emperor) in the event of a bombing raid.

Parents in this trip were highly interested in the history involved in the palace and discussed whether to give a history assessment to the youngsters. Sensing danger, we expressed annoyance and the test was postponed to some unidentified date. Since then, no threats have been mentioned.

Lunch - 1215

The whole tour took 2 - 3 hours and we were famished. The coach took us to a restaurant where dumplings were served. Unfortunately as always, the food came in warm at most. The dumplings were removed from the plate with extreme speed whilst other items remained untouched. A winter delicacy: iced dumplings (冰餃子) was not served, however, because obviously, it was not winter.

Movie City - 1320

With the lunch finished, we moved on to visit Chang Chun's movie city. This large complex houses studios and various out moded movie making objects. Most importantly, it has places where the public can participate and be involved in 1960s operatic soaps. On the coach, we nominated a couple of potential actors for such an event.

The 'movie' drama created by our artists were most amusing because their mouthing failed miserably to match the recordings. Nonetheless, they must be praised for their courage. The stunt rooms were most primitive. the models failed to create and realistic atmosphere at all. The audio was also primitive but at least it managed to make us believe the sounds were genuine.

Later, we observed a manchu wedding ceremony nearby. The scanty affair lasted less than half an hour and the actors headed home faster than we could leave.

South Lake - 1530

After the studio visit, we headed for the South Lake (南湖). I figured the only notable structure in the park was a bridge that crosse a small segment of the lake.

Sorry for the massive number of photos there, but I did bring my tripod along and it would have been a shame if I did not use it. The South Lake also has another specialty that I neglected in the start. Its water level has not changed in any noticeable way since its discovery. Considering it has no source apart from a few rains every year, it is indeed startling.

Bath House - 1630

We were to stay overnight in an express train so parents suggested that we stop by a bath house to cleanse ourselves of the dirt of day before we presented ourselves for dinner - at a high official's club. Due to the sensitive nature of the scenery, no photos were taken.

Dinner - 1800

On the way to the club, we passed by stalls selling dog meat with cold noodles. These sightings caused much commotion amongst the female population. Discipline was enforced among our younger members as we approached the club entrance. We all lined up in a straight file and wove our way into... the conference room. Chairman Cheung was present to give us information regarding the current state of politics in China and other miscellaneous information about our trip.

After the forum, we flooded across to the dining hall. Hall indeed, it set our sights higher than ever before. The hall was brightly lit and well decorated. The food spoke for themselves. It was a sumptous feast of colourful delicacies, every one a speciality of the city.

Train Station - 2030

Our stomachs were quite satisfied after the delicious meal and we stepped off the coach in front of the train station. We were immediately beset by armies of newspaper and trinket sellers. We struggle to move away from 1 RMB offers and moved to the waiting lounge.

After the hustle and bustle, I managed to board the train in 3 pieces: camera, luggage and my own body (whole). There was a ticket scare on board the train but I got over that and moved around searching for excitement. The train compartments were constrained so a good picture could not be taken. Nontheless, I took to the extreme and snapped a few anyway.

The compartments were ~ 3 metres wide and 3 metres long. There was a table inbetween the bunks and no air conditioning. There was a fan though, which one could have his or her hand removed by the blades. Through various autocratic decisions, a 肉蟲 was moved into my compartment. He snored loudly and there would be no peace until morning.

---< end of day 2 >---