The trouble begins - Day 14Oct 1, 2009
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The train looks and feels better on the outside
Dispite running out of hot water (luke warm pot noodles), excessive spitting on the floor, children screaming and poking Nicky in the eyes,and people smoking throughout the carriage NOT in the designated smoking area, in the end we felt the train was barable. With hard seated train tickets the lights stay on all night, loud music and game playing is acceptable, so don't count on much sleep.
When we arrived we immediately booked our forwarding train for a few days later, this was to ensure we could get a sleeper ticket. When we left the station there was an abundance of people crowding around everywhere, we could hardly move nor dream of getting one of the hundreds of taxis.we decided to get a spot of dinner and wait until eberything had calmed down to proceed with our journey. We had dinner at the closest place, which ended up to be a fast food Chinese resturant. But we have tasted better Chinese take away at home - the Chinese version of McDonalds.
Full on junk we attempted the taxi rank again (9pm). The taxi had a Tv showing the celebrations in Beijing. Looking out the window on our way across town we could see the huge fire work display launched from Chengdu's city square, which every city centre would have organised.
We arrived at the hostel releaved to finally be at a place where we could rest and shower. after confirming our names and booking the receptionist informed us that they no longer had dorms at all and the only room they had avaiable for us was a double room (shared bed!) which was four times the amount we were invoiced. After much arguing she agreed to give us a discount which meant the room was double what we wanted to pay. The only reason why we accepted this was because everywhere else was fully booked or more expensive due to the holidays.Due to the increased room bill we paid for that night only then arranged to pay the rest in the morning after we went to the bank.
Throughout the hotel and online the hotel advertises these cheap dorms which don't exist. The receptionist just smilled and told us that the information is two years out of date. They don't appear to be bothered about false advertising. Nicky told them they should change their name from Soma hostel to Soma hotel.
Annoyed up to the eye balls we did what we always do, put the kettle on for some jasmine tea and showers which made us feel better. Having no choice but to watch the festivities on Tv, as every channel was showing it (up to 50 channels). We went to bed content knowing we had been privaleged to witness the rehearsals in Beijing and not been there during the chaos of the actual event.
