Explore More - 2017

WESTERN-STYLE FOOD WAS

WESTERN-STYLE FOOD WAS SERVED ALONG WITH MOUTHWATERING DELICACIES Clockwise, from right: A red pagoda in the Shibaozhai area of Chongqing; see a giant panda at Chongqing Zoo; try dim sum, a selection of Chinese delicacies Director Ben’s illuminating commentary, we might have missed the ancient coffins of the Ba people suspended impossibly high on the rock face; or failed to spot the wild monkeys; or might not have realized that the view of towering peaks and cascading waterfalls was the same as the one on the back of a 10-yuan note. Almost daily, an included excursion provided once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A closer inspection of the very high-tech, high-cost and highly controversial Three Gorges Dam was fascinating. Our local guide was surprisingly upbeat about being one of the 1.3 million compulsorily displaced. Ironically, homes were submerged to protect others from flooding. It took four hours for our ship to navigate the locks—a sight we were thrilled to experience from the Observation Lounge. Still, it took 17 years and billion to build this magnificent feat of engineering. Waking up to a steamy dawn, villagers were washing their clothes in the river when we disembarked to cross the rickety “Drunken Bridge” and climb the stairs of the enchanting Shibaozhai Temple. Built in 1650, legend has it that the higher you ascend the steep steps of this 12-story pagoda, the more your prayers will be answered. Huffing and puffing as I went along, I prayed I could reach the top. Life on board was incredibly relaxing. Western-style food was served along with mouthwatering Chinese delicacies. Glasses at mealtimes were quickly replenished with all-inclusive (and excellent) wine, beer and soft drinks. We were sad to leave the charming crew at the end of our river cruise. But we cheered up watching the antics of giant panda cub Tintin at Chongqing Zoo, where we were very lucky to see four giant pandas, as well as rare Siberian tigers. Our now close-knit group of travelers could hardly wait for our next adventure—two nights in Xian. Nothing can quite prepare you for the first time you set eyes on the army of Terra Cotta Warriors. Thousands of life-size soldiers—all with individual faces—were buried 2,200 years ago along with ceramic chariots and warhorses to guard the tomb and afterlife of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Unearthed accidentally by farmers, while the remains of 8,000 figures have now been recovered, archaeologists have only scratched the surface of this incredible excavation. We stood and stared in awe. The evening’s entertainment, an optional Tang Dynasty show of dance, music and acrobatics, matched 78 VIKINGCRUISES.COM | EXPLORE MORE 2017

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