First Published 27 July 2012

We had an 11.05 flight to Chengdu from Shanghai Pudong airport. After checking out of the hotel, we braved the rush hour metro. Loaded with backpacks this was a bit of an adventure.

Our ticket cost 7 yuan (70p) and took around half an hour. It was busy ,and really really warm. Actual rivers of sweat were running down my back. But we managed to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare.

The flight was quick and we were soon looking for a way to the hotel in Chengdu. After our comedy effort in finding the hotel in Shanghai we were better prepared with maps, the hotel name and road and we got a taxi right to the door of the Babao hotel.

This hotel is managed by one of  Linz’s ex-students’ uncle. The student is called Troy and he has been really helpful. Not only has he organised the hotel at a discount, but he is organising a week long tour for us around Yunnan province. He is coming with us, as is his mum.

The hotel is really nice and the beds are soft. Wooooo!