Jingzhou and the Yangtze Gold 3

The number 13 is considered lucky in China.

 A Chinese breakfast before we head out to see the city.

Breakfasts were sumptuous, with everything from cereal, to bacon, eggs and pancakes, to salads and traditional Chinese dishes.  This was the only meal where coffee was served.  At lunch and dinner tea or beer was the choice.  Watermelon and other fruit was featured at every meal.

Jingzhou is a "medium" size city of only 6 million.  It has a 6,000 year history although the city wall (10 kilometres long) and moat were built in about 200 AD.

The statue on the other side of the moat is of General Guan Lu, (280 AD), a warrior who is considered the God of Wealth and Loyalty.  The city wall is beyond the trees and is a magnificent structure.

Because this was "Golden Week" a city pageant was being held, but our timing wasn't good.

This guy looks pretty nasty!

But so do these guys!

Then there was the usual tourist fun.

We then went to a local village and were shown through one of the houses.

These solar units are common in China, providing hot water.

Sesame seeds drying.

A communal garden plot.

Lotus plants.

We also were taken to see the best preserved mummy in the world, but you don't want to share that.

Finally, we boarded the Yangtze Gold 3.  This is the main deck.

All cabins are spacious and have balconies.

We're in this mode for four days.  We'll report later.