We were very keen to see a rural and scenic part of China; Yunnan Province seemed to fit the bill. We’d also seen little of Beijing on our first visit to China, which in any case had been so long ago.
The journey was a bit of a contrast too.
Got ready at leisure – the cab wasn’t due until 1400 in any case. But the cab didn’t show – blind panic!
Arranged a local cab and we set off 25 minutes later than intended – good job there was no traffic.
Got through procedures pretty quickly – fast track and all – went to Dixons where Ged splashed the cash on a new camera and accessories.
Then to club lounge where we learnt that we have been upgraded to 1st class. Snacked at smaller “club lounge” by gate. Then boarded.
Plane slightly delayed at this point but with three staff attending to the three first class passengers the journey passed remarkably quickly.
Ged watched Sex & Drugs & Rock’n’Roll. Daisy same plus several other movies.
Toni Friend, who worked for BA, had helped us to get a good price on Club Class tickets. She then went the extra distance for us and got us upgraded to first class – our only ever experience of flying first class. Extremely luxurious and pampering it was; quite unsettlingly so in fact. But a super kind treat and it is nice to have done it once.
Arrived in Beijing on time – huge airport. Much changed in 16/17 years.
Met by guide Sophie and taken to DuGe Courtyard Hotel [a beautiful Hutong]– very nice.
Go through mandatory room change/upgrade procedures followed by room safe failure procedures too. In the midst of all this go for a stroll around the Hutong district, in particular walk Nanluogu Xiang a few times, partly in vain search of recommended restaurant.
Return to enjoy new room (suite) and a beer on our stoop which looks out onto the lovely courtyard.
Slept plenty in the afternoon, then fiddle around with camera and water system. Bath and get recommendation from hotel for a local restaurant.
End up at home your roast duck restaurant. Unprepossessing to look at but superb meal for a tenner plus unexpected tip – certainly a local place! Very tired on return.
