I was up early today & after a shower, I went for tea in the Yangtze Club & watched Dr Hu & a few passengers going through their Tai Chi routine. At about 7:30 am, I went for breakfast & met the rest of the VIP crew before we all went our separate ways for the day.
Victoria Selina.
After a few days of walking around on different trips, I have decided to stay on board today. I will be missing out on a trip to see a relocated village that was flooded when the dam was built, but I will be able to spend some quiet time on board the ship. This afternoon will be hectic as after lunch, I will be battling against others in a high-stakes Mah-jong game.
Morning on board ship.
After breakfast, I returned to my room to pack for our departure tomorrow. I still have a few items of washing to come back, but I can pack them this evening. After packing, I took my laptop to the Yangtze Club, where I met Ewen. We sat & relaxed, logging into the internet & checking on what has been happening in the world whilst we have been removed from it. I sign up for the Mah-jong lesson & chat with Ewen & Selina over a Black Russian cocktail before lunch. Lunch is served at about 12:30 pm & I took a cocktail with me to keep my beer company whilst I have lunch.
Afternoon on board the ship.
After another fantastic lunch, I prepared for my Mah-jong lesson this afternoon. As anyone knows, the only way to play Mah-jong is with a clear head. Tracy dragged me to the Yangtze Club bar, where we sampled a few Bloody Marys. They were on sale & it would have been rude not to. I soon discovered that Tracy was not playing Mah-jong but doing her best to cloud my brain before I played with Mel, April & Pat.
Tracy left me to watch a film & I joined Mel, Pat & April for our Mah-jong lesson. I soon realised that Tracy had got me tipsy & that Mel was a Mah-jong Bandit. Mel won both games we played & April & I hardly got a look in as Mel & Pat, with our tutor's help, seemed to be playing without us. Next time I play, I will take my own tiles to ensure I get a go. The tiles we were using had Chinese numbering on them & it was tough even to work out what numbers & figures represent. I did enjoy the game, but when learning the game, I believe it would be easier to use tiles that I know what the figures & numbers are & without a doubt, it would have been easier if Tracy hadn't plied me with alcohol so that Mel could beat me (She would have beat me anyway & I won't be playing poker with her any time soon). After the Mah-jong, I chatted with Selina at the bar & had a cocktail before dinner.
Captains Farewell Banquet.
The strangely named 'Captains Farewell Banquet' consisted of the dinner we had ordered at lunch with a surprise cream cake for afters & a complimentary glass of champagne. The Captain was far too busy to attend the Captain's Farewell & Amanda, the ship's river guide, stood in for him & thanked us all for cruising with them & told us he wished to see us all again.
After the banquet, we gathered in the Yangtze Club bar & watched the Victoria Culture Show. After this, many of the Chinese guests played dress-up. They dressed up in costumes & had their photos taken as the Emperor & Empress of China. Having no desire to play dress-up, we chatted about the trip over a few more beers & cocktails. Tracy had asked me to get her a cocktail, which I did. I sat with Ewen & Mike & as Tracy had not returned, I drank her Bloody Mary as well. Shortly after I had drunk her cocktail, Tracy returned with Mel, April & Pat, who had all been on deck finishing off their spare wine. After a short time, it was just myself & Tracy keeping Selina company at the bar.
At 10:00 pm, the bar closed & we both went downstairs to settle our bar bill for the trip. When we returned to the bar to collect our belongings we were asked if we wanted another cocktail, oh well it was the last night, we can pay for this one in the morning.