So near and yet so far!
So I am in Avatar country and decide that I would brave the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge….seemingly the longest highest glass bridge in the world spanning two mountains high up on Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province.
Being a savvy traveller these days I had done my homework …there is a bus that goes there …30 minutes max !
Should I take a taxi ?
No absolutely no need bus, is good!
So to catch a bus you need to know where to catch it, your destination and the number of the bus.
Yep got it …asked all the right questions at hotel reception.
Got the address there and back in Chinese on a Post- It note and the directions to the bus stop!
Weather good …armed with camera, phone, water, charged phone and extra battery, extra money just in case, comfy clothes and sneakers …
and I am on my way !!
Well I found the right street and started looking for the bus stop and the number 1 bus …
Well Fuck me it’s bus heaven …you know where their drivers have a nap…
Up and down the street I walk, trying to work it out and the first step is which side of the road …girl forgot to tell me that one!
After a couple of rounds …I think the locals thought I was looking for a pickup …mmm not likely …it’s like being in Lilliput and I’m Gulliver!
I finally went into a building that looked like a hotel and asked again with Post-It note and pointing …where do I catch the bus ?
Nice girl ..follow me …yep back the way I came and then she stopped and pointed …there was no bus stop that I could see and she said no 1 and left me!
Ok, so I waited and a couple of busses went past and then I see the magical No 1 so I waved him down …no he shakes his head and points up ahead ..quick run …random stop …get on ..show him my little Post-It note with hopeful face …
Bushi …is not …off off …over there he points…I back off the bus and look behind and there hiding is a door which seemingly is the bus station not the elusive bus stop !!
Looking carefully I lined up where it said No 1, a little bemused …mostly in China you pay when you get on the bus but ok nearly there.
No says the teller …when I show her my Post-It note …over there. ..
Gesturing with her hand she waved me away to go around and out the back …and there is another bus park with busses with their drivers, people in lines and signs … in Chinese but …
Looking looking … Glass Bridge …yep that’s me
So finally …only hour and 40 minutes after leaving the hotel I am on my way.
15 Yuan thanks!
As we climbed higher and higher the clouds started gathering …and gathering …and then threatening and just as we arrived at our destination the heavens opened and it pissed down ….
Gathering around the bus were …wait for it …
local women selling ponchos …all colours …no choice …must buy!
15 Yuan thanks!
Pretty sure they specialise in rain dances to make their living.
Ok which way to go? All signs in Chinese …
I was told when I first arrived in China – when unsure in China follow the crowd …you will always get somewhere!
So up some stairs and some shelter, well sort of shelter. In China the drainage systems are often not the best so when it rains within minutes there are rivers and lakes all around you.
Luggage Check …I have no luggage …just a small bag…holding my camera and personal items.
Wait out the heavy rain …feet wet …it’s ok …this is one of the most famous places in China.
It will be worth it !!!
Rain becomes drizzle…
Follow the crowd up the next set of stairs
Security Check
Sorry you have camera in bag..go back to Luggage Check
Oh ok
Down the stairs ….don’t slip …be careful!!!
Check bag
10 Yuan thanks!
Back to security …pretty much soaked now but so close …excited
Clear security …
Find ticket window
Yi xie xie ( 1 thanks )
Teller gestures …over there …wrong window
Ok
Now there’s a line up
Never mind …not far now …getting anxious …can I do this …I’m afraid of heights !!
One please
Passport ?
Oh fuck … passport …I didn’t have it on me …haven’t needed it once in all my travels in China except when boarding a plane or Bullet Train!
Was in the same park yesterday and the day before (other entry) and didn’t need it.
So sorry …shake my head ..don’t have.
…bad luck ..move on …
next!
Pissing down rain …trying to find return bus …hungry now …wet …disappointed …Bloody Hell…
Find a bus …show post it note …return address …yep this is it
15 Yuan thanks!
Waiting 30 minutes and then on our way!
Being zen about this experience .. will go back to the hotel and get my passport and then I can do this whole trip like a local …you know it’s all part of the experience!
Won’t be long and then we stop …the driver get out a silver pot and opens the lid and starts eating lunch!
…pissing down rain …stranded in a bus up a mountain in Country China …whilst the driver takes his lunch break!
Bus full of passengers who use this opportunity to ring their friends and family and the entire bus is shouting!
Hungry …wet …headache …and no cigar !
Oh China!
Oh and Happy Fucking Bumbering !
