There was a model of the resort's intended extensions beyond just the hotel buildings. It looks like a huge project, with a big pool, spa rooms, horseback riding, and other things I'm sure we didn't catch. The lady to the left is Corinne, our liaison from Mr. Chan's Shanghai office. She was really helpful and just fun to talk to as she was closer to our age than most of the people we usually come in contact with.
We were first invited to a nice lunch at the hotel. It was staffed by at least 20 people. It was strange to be so well waited upon after a month and a half of Xiuning lifestyle. It was a reminder of what Western lifestyle is like.
Our table with Mr. Cai, the head of one of Mr. Chan's Mainland China organizations.
Grand piano!? Yamaha--not bad. I think someone needs to play it... once she's cut her nails!
For Sam J... who loves everything decorative but kind of a waste of money...
After lunch, we took at 40-minute shuttle to the edge of a lake. These gondolier-like rowers took us across the lake. Our gondolier was nice considering how many people squeezed into his small boat!
Zoe didn't know we were taking a picture...
The concert stage at the destination! Everything that was built here seemed to be very thoughtful of the natural surroundings. It appeared that whoever designed the walkways, seating area, and stage was conscious of the wildlife.
The ensemble played several famous pieces, including arrangements from famous works such as...
(Chopin Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2)
We climbed up to a ridge, which probably wasn't meant to be climbed upon, considering we all got thrashed by rose thorns in our makeshift two-feet wide "trail." Many were skeptical that in my skirt and heels I could climb the steep, dirt trail. But the view seemed worth the risk. Turns out, with a Michael to make sure you don't fall, it works out fine.
This is the shot of the lake in the background from the same ridge. I couldn't wear one of the provided hats... it was just too... much like a
A pretty natural wonder!
Another group photo in front of the lake before we left the concert venue.
When we returned, it was nightfall. The sun sets very quickly here. We had an outdoor dinner with live jazz. It was such a wonderful revisit to all the jazz I had ever listened to or studied. I had never seen Chinese people play jazz before, so this was interesting. They were good. They were a band from Shanghai...
We had Huo Guo (火锅), or hot pot, for dinner. It was wonderful! We had dumplings and my favorite, 年糕!
Gerald Chan is the gentleman standing next to me, and the man behind him is Kyle, Yale '85! He was the first Chinese student admitted to Yale since the Cultural Revolution. While no Harvard-Yale rivalry arose between the five of us and Mr. Chan, we joked a little at the end of our evening about Ivy League plight these days.
Tomorrow, we return to the hotel to grab some neverending lunch. Then, we'll get a tour of the resort grounds and hopefully some of the private cottages and suites. It seems like a great place to host friends and family!
I'll leave you with a teeny bit of fireworks, which concluded our evening. (Sam J, you must think of theme music from Indiana Jones in order to watch this. It's too boring without music synced to it.)
How fun! Those cottages look super cute!
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