Long Distance Call to Uncle Then First Experience of Air Travel.

Day 5 of visit still with cough, but improving. Early start ready to change cities; pack cases. Hotel man rings at 8am, wants to make up room, tell him he must come back later. Sheng re-writes gift cards for Liu's and Kate's watches. Liu arrives 9:30 am so we telephone Quang in UK, sister answers, all family in bed. Quang says he went to Camelot Park with children; very tired, so went to bed early. The three of us sing, 'Happy Birthday' to Quang over the phone. Kate arrives so Sheng gives our gifts to Kate and Liu. Kate takes us up to top floor of Palace Tower, VIP treatment, first visitors; not yet open to public or guests. Spendid view over Tianamen so take photos.

Back to room then walk to restaurant on 'Food Street' for lunch, Cantonese style. 'Special Dish', fried crispy rice with hot sauce, meat and vegetables poured over it, creating much sizzle and pop! Back to hotel where Liu settles the account and Sheng says goodbye to Kate before we take a taxi to Capitol Airport. Liu reminds me about films in holdall, so take them out before x-ray. Sheng excited at prospect of first flight. Visit developing into a study of Sheng's face, full of excitement and amazement at each new experience. Liu not allowed into airport. Sheng checks-in cases, then we go through to lounge. Sheng buys Ying-Yang mask for sister Ai, I buy two cans of Coca-Cola. Departure lounge very crowded no chance of seats. Wait 20 minutes then board plane.

Sheng gets window seat, very excited on take-off, ears crack! Alarm on announcement that plane bound for Nanjing. Sheng asks Stewardess if plane is for Guilin, which she confirms. Snack served, then Chinese lady in seat to my right gets up quickly; liquid dripping from luggage rack above. Panic !!!!! Rack contains can of cooking oil from Kate to her parents in Guilin, but confirm that this is still intact. Stewardess attempts to plug leak with paper tissues and sticky tape; not successful. Engineer finally discovers cause. Old man's container upset and leaking near front of plane. Arrive Nanjing, must all disembark for 45 minutes. Sheng talks to two young ladies, one from Singapore and one from Taiwan. Comes back to tell me he has been speaking to some 'foreign people'.

Back on plane, supper served, rice and chicken. Sheng not eat fish entree. Met at Guilin by Kates father Zhe and her cousin Cui. Bus to town center then taxi to hotel in University Campus. Have shower and change clothes. Kates father collects us at 7:45pm, walk through campus grounds to his flat. Have supper with all the family including Chang (18 months old), Grandma, Uncles, Aunts and Nephews from Hunan, and Guilin neighbour. Zhe demonstrates his calligraphy painting. Makes painting for Sheng and for myself. Walk back to hotel room pass party in the Dance Hall. Leave room air-fan on all night. Sheng watches television until end of programs.

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