Beijing, China

Asia Travel…….continued

The MS Amsterdam sailed into the Port of Tianjin, gateway to Beijing, on Tuesday night about 9:00pm.  It was 28F and snowing!  Winter in China feels pretty cold to a couple of Floridians; but a stroll out to the Promenade Deck was certainly required.  You’ll find the resulting photos below.

The Customs Office started to process, mostly crew, on Tuesday night.  None-the-less, no one exited the ship until the following morning when the process continued with dozens of agents on hand in the cavernous Cruise Passenger Terminal.  This is a large, vast space that remains totally under-utilized.  On previous visits, we had noticed a coffee shop that was never open.  They retain an unbroken record.  Still no coffee or WIFI for us.  I’d been told a duty-free shop had finally opened in late 2016—and there were signs—but, alas, not open.  I suppose this could make some kind of sense.  Most passengers are leaving early on tours.  They go directly to the buses (but when they return, they like to shop!).  So, the terminal appears to be a waste.  But, the Chinese are, never-the-less, quite proud of it. 

Before exiting the ship, there was time to play in the snow!  The Indonesian crew—inexperienced with snow—were anxious to build a snowman, make snow angels, throw snowballs.  They did it all!  The aft deck was covered in at least 2 inches of snow.  More than enough for some winter fun! 

Caution, it’s cold out there!

we estimate about 2″ of snow

still a lot of snow. even after the whole bar staff was out there building a snowman and making snowangels!

Our dining room steward, Hendricks, was not alone is his fervent desire to see snow. They were all out there making snow angels, the snowman, having snowball fights! When you grow up in Indonesia, snow is an exotic sight.

the terminal grounds are still snow covered

Such a big terminal, and yet, there is nothing in it. No shopping, no eating or drinking, not even any internet. Seems like such a waste.

Trying to stay out of the cold, Rog & I took the ship’s shuttle to a local mall.  Imagine our surprise to find the current advertising theme was:  HAPPY SPRING!  How ironic. 

Anyway, because we have pictures from prior visits, I’m posting them to give you an idea of the beauty of this nation.  I’ve included The Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing.  Also, views of Tianjin’s Ancient Culture Street, Nanshi Food Street, Haihe River and just some general street views.  You are reminded to imagine snow, wind and people bundled up in parkas!

Rog & Sandy experience the Great Wall-Joyongguan at the Joyong Pass. 2010

At the Wall

At the Wall

At the Wall

At the Wall

At the Forbidden City in Beijing.

In Tianjin, China. Ancient Culture Street wall panels in a passageway tell of Tianjin’s history. 2014

center of Ancient Culture Street

Look at that cute scooter car!

The Haihe River in Tianjin

Nanshi Food Street in Tianjin

The old Quanyechang Department Store in the background and the new Quanyechang addition going up!

After 2 days of shivering, we look forward to heading South.  Late this evening, we’ll head back out to the Yellow Sea and continue our journey.  Next stop is Shanghai!