I’m running out of superlatives

After taking a bullet train from Xi’an to Chengdu yesterday, we arrived at the St. Regis.  The countryside on the way was beautiful – while my ignorance about China could fill a library, it is overwhelmingly gorgeous  

Another fabulous toilet (no pictures this time), and fabulous, fragrant, hotel.  Apparently, among the numerous revolutions in China, I was lucky enough to be part of the “toilet revolution” that started a few years ago. We went to this great market that sold everything you could want and more (you will have to wait and see my panda ears), but the Chengdu natives are very proud of their wonderful city, and that they are the Panda capital of the world … and Spicy girls   , and hibiscus … while it is spring, the HUGE numbers and varieties of flowers are outstanding.

so today was another amazing day. Pandas in morning

and Sichuan opera (which was basically a variety show) at night, with our having a Hot Pot lunch at a very famous restaurant (think Melting Pot but waaayyy More spicy), and then wandering through the People’s Park. Tea gardens, chess and Zumba classes.    

And if I haven’t mentioned it, everything is so clean; almost everyone seems happy (including me and most of my traveling mates); and instead of grey, the country’s alive with color and art and music.  And the children are sooo cute.