Qian Dao Lake Trip

me and my team!

It seems to be the thing in Chinese work life. To have an office team bonding event. So as our company didn't want out to miss out, a date was set for a trip to Qian Dao lake.  At the weekend!!!
I was hoping to avoid as friends over from uk, but as they had left I thought I should make the effort and join the school trip, sorry work's outing. And of course its a one off, so worth the experience! Setting the stipulation I get my own room, which was tougher than you'd think!
Please arrive for bus at 6.45am! Groan
So with a cold, and bleary eyed, I arrived at the departure point near the office in People's Square, to see many buses and throngs of people. Had a slight panic attack in case I didn't immediately recognize anyone and got on the wrong bus! But panic over as a team member spots me.
Everyone has bags of fried food, donut sticks, onion bread, steamed buns - and it's so early! I just need coffee!

On the bus, which leaves reasonably promptly, there was lots of noise and excitement, more snacks and drinks. The bus snakes out along the Yannan elevated road out of Shanghai through the fog-smog. Everyone is on their phones, interactive games, ipads or sleeping.

gran prix racing

A couple of pit stops for the loos, coffees (me), copious amounts of snacks and five hours later hills, lakes and islands can be distinguished through the mist.
Lunch.

A lakeside restaurant and Dong bei-north eastern style food. Dish after dish, coriander and beef (which I mistakenly took a bite of but seemed very delicious,) followed by salted shell on prawns, bowls of unidentified veg, lots of meaty things and dumplings.

A great bowl with an enormous fish of the lake followed, so white and flakey. Another bowl of dumplings and tofu. A desert of crispy battered sweetcorn with honey, I thought that was the end but yet more kept arriving. A slight case of over ordering I think...

Arrive at the hotel by the lake, or rather the resort complex. Pretty swish and full on Chinese grandeur, next to the Sheraton. Luxury yachts moored along the lake edge. Not at all what I was expecting. Always expect the unexpected! So check in and find my room is bigger than my apartment! A lounge, kitchen, walk-in wardrobe, two bathrooms and bedroom. A corner room surrounded on 2 sides by a veranda with glass windows offering a panoramic view of the lake, and the inevitable construction going on around.....

Hire a bike with colleague and attempt to cycle around the shore. Thwarted, by dead ends and construction projects, but we did cycle along side  a hoarding offering views of the proposed developments and the 'better life'. Found a scenic board walk around a hotel complex, complete with small beach, wildlife and fishermen. A large ornate restaurant surrounded by pools, presumably to keep the newly caught fish, so they would be fresh for the pot.

                         
                           Fishing for supper...

Remember-Speeling is prohibited!

The Sheraton came in useful, to recoup on some lost sleep, as it had a fantastic luxury spa and I had a very soothing Balinese massage with essential oils which made it more than worth the journey.

Dinner. Hop on the bus Gus and off to another lakeside restaurant, well what else would you expect? The boss just made it back from his holidays and his driver picks him up from the airport and delivers him to Chinese welcome committee. Full on applause and greetings and then we're off to dinner.

Assorted appetisers are on the table, edename beans , small dried fish, salted nuts. First dish to arrive was a terrapin. Horror! So covering colleagues's small daughter's eyes, colleague makes sure they remove it swiftly, hmmm.

Then delicious fish dishes arrive in quick succession. The tiniest pink prawns. Whats that? Apparently fish stomach?? Seemed a bit like squid or cuttlefish! But very spicy. Then greens, and delicious mien tian- noodles.

Meanwhile (western) wine and beer had been provided from Shanghai, and was being quaffed in quantity by a small contingent on the far table. I must say in small glassses I managed to share a bottle with Gerry!
Cycle. Lovely Cycle. And yes her english name is Cycle- not Psyco. But maybe it should be! Cheers, 'Gambei', down in one, with tumblers of wine - oh dear! But all is quite entertaining with crazy Cycle amusing us all with her high volume english, which culminates in her demanding speech from the boss. This is duly provided on condition of her delivering it in Chinese! You had to be there really, so will leave it at that.

Another early start and brave the hoards wrestling for breakfast. Manage to find some fruit, and a delicious round fried bread with tofu and spinach, believe me it was tasty even at 7 in the morning! And Cycle a little jaded but not suffering as she should be!

Then a boat trip around the 1000 island lake. Many boats setting off so. The usual throngs, flag waving, microphone blaring tour guides, salesmen, snack vendors.
Photo opportunities to turn into key rings if you want to queue.

compulsory key ring photo

follow that tour guide..

...or that one?

not one of ours...

Monica finds space to reflect..

First stop is small island complete with temple, light a few joss sticks and push and shove to get to the 'alter', for good luck.

incensed


And it wouldn't be China without a bit of a tea -sales-ceremony

Next island is more disturbing. Called snake island, it seems to be turning into a snake theme park.

Firstly a few pits of poisonous snakes.

 Second pit, loads of docile snakes slithering occasionally over money. A guy with a stick and a cage of small furry mammals is goading the crowd to throw in cash. If he gets his price then he will reward them by chucking in afore mentioned fluffy mouse.
Too cruel, my campaign for Wildlife Photographer of the Year in the reportage section begins. The snakes weren't even hungry, thankfully, and were being poked and prodded to attack fluffy mammal. Walked away.

Thirdly a cage full of interwoven snakes, a bit overcrowded I think.
And of course a magnificent boa to stroke or drape for the photo op- if you are brave enough.

Then lunch on the boat, more bowls of steaming fresh fish, prawns and winkles! Happily no snakes.

Lots of group photos...

But also lots of time to do your make up

Or stare at your phones apps

 Last island, a gentle walk up to the view point. The mist lifts slightly and a feint glimpse of the sun. Beautiful views of the islands in the vast lake,if you can push your way through the crowds.....

the matching hat competition..

oh there's another-very jaunty!

very misty but very lovely

 a cable car down,

And then a  gentle cruise back and its back on the bus for Shanghai (except I got a lift with the boss so get back in under 4 hours).

alas poor Yorrick..or is this pomelo going to last the 5 hours back to Shanghai..