Kunming

We took the overnight train to Kunming and again witnessed the crush of the locals racing for the 3rd class hard seats. The lady in our section of the sleeper car (we chose to upgrade to 2nd class of course) luggage consisted of dozens of boxes of shoes which she stashed under the beds. During the journey we went for a walk through the carriages and saw the 3rd class carriage packed to the rafters with the unlucky people standing nose to armpit all night long. 

We arrived at 6am and it was freezing cold. We made our way to a hostel we had picked up a leaflet on but when we discovered it had no heating and you could see your breath even indoors we had to look elsewhere. We found a small hotel in a tower block in the city centre and it turned out to be the bit of luxury we were seeking. We had a 13th floor room complete with sofa, TV, DVD player and washing machine (oh goody!- M) Our little splurge at 14 pounds a night.

The next day we both bought woolie hats as it was still chuffin in the so called "spring city".

We visited the main park on Sunday. It was not the most picturesque but it was full of life with people everywhere playing music, singing and dancing (including line dancing but we dont think they are any match for the Eastbourne troop, Jane!)

We tried the "famous" Across the Bridge Noodles which consisted of the hottest broth in the world into which you add veggies, strips of chicken and pork which then cook in the broth. It was quite an experience trying to order it without speaking Chinese and luckily a waitress helped show us what to do.