Day 20 (22-3-2009) - Best night yet

The unique experience today was that we got off our boat to a small pontoon and then were divided into small groups. We then went on to ride small “sampans”, paddled by 4 people and steered by 1 person each. We also had a guide that would tell us more about the place we were at, The Shennong Stream.

This is a branch river of the main river, the Yangtze River. This stream in particular, is popular because of its gentle waters and even more beautiful and breathtaking scenery. And believe me, watching the many gorges, caves, hills and other rock formations up close on a sampan, gives a feeling that cannot be compared with seeing it from afar from the cruise.

We had fun singing songs, cheering on our paddles just so that we could overtake the others. I pity them for having to work so hard actually. This short little ride on a river in between the gorges, I would remember as the more prominent thing that I have done here in China.; a truly unique experience.

Other than visiting another small county, we went back to our boat and had a party, dedicated to our 3 wonderful tour guides. We were supposed to each say something in dedication to them, but because that idea could turn out to be rather plain and boring, it was decided that I, alongside Fareez (2 non-Chinese) would represent everyone, and make a heartfelt dedication to them; in Chinese (Mandarin).

I barely had 30 minutes to practice for my so called speech. It went something like this:

Wo xiang he ni men shuo shen xie xie! Ying wei ni men shi hen hao de dao you, ni men ye shi wo men de hao peng you. Wo hen kai xin ying wei ni men yon yin yu lai jie shi gei wo ting. Lai rang wo ming bai. Zu hoiu, wo men fei chang gan xie ni men! Zhu ni men shi ye shun li, xin xiang shi cheng! Xie xie!

Very simple Mandarin, I know. I did it perfectly a few times during practice, but during the real thing, I could not help but ask for help just 2 times. But I think everyone understands and know that I have put in sincere effort.

The rest of the night is history.

The Shennong Stream dat we went through with a "sampan"

Friendly waves and faces

Some island which was our last stop for the Three Gorges cruise