We slept in, of course, but this was alright for we were in absolutely no hurry – our train ticket, sorted out by the hotel in our absence, was for 2.45 this afternoon, hard sleeper and all. Lisa arrived back into Val’s room (where I had congregated for coffee) in high good humour – they had just rung Dan’s father in HK + discovered that Lisa had got a ticket back to London via the Philippines – Dan already had his for the same route. I was pleased for them, they are a friendly + good-natured pair, tho’ really Val + I have little or nothing in common with them. Lisa I find attractive, I don’t really know why, for she’s not at all pretty. I suppose it is her naïve innocence that I like – that certainly is my weakness.
Val + I breakfasted at the dumpling house, then shopped, mainly for goodies to make our journey more pleasant. We had hoped to buy as tape of Uighur music, however, but were unable to find anything. Ran into Lisa again back at the hotel with even more good news, that they’ve bought their ticket to Zhanzhou, a major junction in the south of the country, + so are on their way out tomorrow. I envy them, for we have weeks more in China. What a foolish way to feel, when our destiny is entirely in our own hands. Hm…
Our own journey, or the next part of it, went smoothly. To the stn in good time, straight onto the waiting train + to our berths. To our amazement, not only was the sleeping carriage pretty well empty, it continued to be that way throughout the journey. We passed the time easily + pleasantly on the journey, reading + playing cards. The highlight of the journey was undoubtedly dinner, which was wonderful, no 2 in quality + value of the entire trip.
Sorry to say farewell to Dan and Lisa, who have suffered the most appalling luck throughout. As for us, back on to the peace, quiet and sheer relaxation offered by the train – no hassles, nothing to think or worry about.
