Jude's birthday today so we sang Happy Birthday and presented him with a card. Vivian taught us and we sang Happy Birthday in Mandarin. She gave excellent commentary along the way and gave us an insight into Chinese life and customs. Another bit of Chinese info she imparted was that not all people have cars and often say they will "take the No. 11 Bus" which means, walking on two legs. Passed through areas which were both rural and industrial. More high speed trains and excitement. Wuzhen village is a traditional Chinese village and is still occupied. Walked past willow lined stream and through the village. There was a large bunch of dried small branches with leaves and Vivian explained it was to ward off mosquitoes, next to it was a similar arrangement but of torn bits of material. Stupid question of the day!!!! I asked Vivian what it was - she pointed to the large piece of dowel attached to the material and answered "it's a mop"!!! Lunch was at a restaurant next to the village entrance – traditional local cuisine which all enjoyed. Served clear noodles for Jude’s birthday – a local tradition. This time we'd lost Ailsa. She’d gone to the facilities in the village and got disoriented when she came out. I went back and found her. We drove to Suzhou the 'Garden City' built around the Grand Canal. We then visited the silk factory. Saw silk cocoons being processed and spun, and silk being woven. Of course, lots of time to shop in the silk shop. Arrived at Suzhou Garden hotel around 5.00 and were greeted by the manager who arranged for everyone to be escorted to their rooms. We must be important people!!! Hotel is traditional style and most commented very favourably. For dinner, we went to TASTY restaurant which served western style food. Most impressive was the comment from almost everyone. The service was superb and they were delighted to have us. The dessert was certainly one of the best I’ve ever had and others said the same. .Vivian produced a cake to celebrate Jude’s birthday and the staff sang happy birthday in English then Mandarin, produced a hat (Year of the Sheep?) and gave him a photo in the restaurant’s folder. All agreed it was a superb night. Back at hotel 10.00pm. All cheered when we said not leaving until 9.00 tomorrow.
Bridge in Wuzhen village (traditionally women use the left, men the right)
The rice wine liqueur still 57% alcohol
From cocoons to silk thread
The enclosed courtyard outside my room
Jude's birthday
The hotel garden at night
We didn't eat here - Says chicken, shrimp, bullfrog
The delicious dessert...yummmmm!
