Today, October 1, is the Chinese “National Day”.  It’s the beginning of a week-long holiday, celebrating the creation of the People’s Republic of China on Oct. 1, 1949.  That’s the history lesson for the day.  For us, it means we’re headed out for our cruise down the Yangtze River.

We have a flight from Beijing Capital Airport, so we finish packing and leave early.  I’m not sure how busy everything will be on a day like today, or how crowded it will be.  We grab a taxi and head to the airport.  Traffic seems normal, with no big delays.  We arrive at Terminal 3, for domestic flights in China.  It’s different than the International Terminal we used a couple of weeks ago as headed to Seoul.

It’s huge, and very new.  I think the International Terminal is undergoing renovation.  Crowds are very manageable, only 3 or 4 people ahead of us in any line we were in.  Security was easy, friendly, and thorough.  We get to the gate area, and eat a sandwich.  I even have a chance to Facetime Courtney and my parents from the airport, using airport wifi.  It’s crazy what technology allows us to do these days.

The flight is smooth.  We’re off the ground late, but I allowed plenty of time to board the boat, if we were late.  We arrive in Chongqing and are met by our arranged transportation.  As we drive to the river, I enjoy checking out the difference in Chongqing and Beijing.  Chongqing is actually bigger than Beijing.  I don’t see as much “old” stuff as we drive through.  There are many construction projects that look half-finished.  In a few years, this city looks like it going to be thriving.  Right now, it’s in transition, like much of the China we’ve seen.

We arrive where our boat is moored.  The approach isn’t modernized.  The concrete steps are very old, and steep.  We have a porter carry our bags down to the boat.  We’re not even sure it’s the correct boat.  Our cruise itinerary says “Gold Cruiser 2”, but the boat is clearly marked the “Gold Cruiser 7”.  Everyone I ask says “no problem, no problem”.

Boarding area for the cruise

We get checked in and upgrade our room to the top deck (an advantage of being early).  We also get the chance to upgrade to the top deck VIP dining room, which we also take advantage of.  As Judy says, “this is what I’ve been working 37 years for, and I’m still working for it”.  While we’re waiting to check-in, all the cruise staff line up for “assembly”.  They get a pep-talk and a uniform inspection.

Assembly and pep-talk for the crew before check-in begins

The room is nice, and comfortable.  We unload our bags, and walk the boat a little.  We eat dinner and walk up to the top deck to sit out and enjoy the view of Chongqing.  The river area is gorgeous at night, with bridges and buildings lit up.

I would love to see the boat depart Chongqing, but I don’t make it.  It’s off to la-la land for me.  Judy tells me later she woke up for it.  My excuse is I’m building up my energy for the excursion tomorrow.