Day Two: a boat cruise, silk factory tour with shopping in the Shanghai market

After breakfast, we load the bus with our belongings and are off to a ride through the country and westward to the city of Hangzhou. All are intrigued by the vastness of the city, the multitude of vehicles--both large, small, motorized and/or pedaled that dart in and out of our bus path. Our drivers are exceptional! Skilled and with nerves of steel as they deliver us to our first rest stop and chance to see a bit more rural setting. Some are pleased to find a small coffee shop with some fairly recognizable offerings we have so become accustomed to at home.

Wi-Fi in the lobby!

Back on the road we soon find ourselves inside another metropolis--Hangzhou. The hotel looks great and many are excited to learn there is WiFi in the lobby! Again we practice our fine orchestration of unloading and getting checked into our rooms--process is getting more fine-tuned. Lunch is served--another of our well tuned events of the day--more wonderful and new/unusual food to try and sample. Each day we sit with different members of the group, learning names, connections, instruments, where we are all from and a new shared insight to this amazing journey so far.

Organized and loaded (well most of us at least) and back on the road, we follow a lovely tree lined boulevard towards the promenades and gardens of West Lake. An interested “gardener” in the group asks about the unusual trees that provide the architecturally suggested tunnel we travel through. Meng explains that they are French Sycamores--planted here by the French. The only two places these trees grow successfully are here along the banks of West Lake and in France. They are further distinguished looking by the white lime rings around the base of their trunk to protect them from certain insects.

West Lake Shrine

We are treated to a boat ride around the lake to view the islands, shrines and temples that line the shore. Somewhat hazy, it is observed by one of our group--its like the Chinese paintings--rather ethereal and beautifully suggested in a mist.

At a stop at a silk factory museum, we are given a tour, demonstration of the process from pupae to cocoon to spun silk followed by an opportunity to purchase some designer pillow quilts, spreads/duvets and clothing. A few are going home with some fine silken comfort.

Tonight was our first scheduled concert however due to the venue cancellation in Hangzhou we are given the night off for a bit more sightseeing and shopping. Most travel a short bus ride to the “night market” where experience at bargaining and shopping for the perfect gifts continues. Back at the hotel, everyone agrees they are anticipating the chance to start playing. Its been more than a week since they last rehearsed together and some have never been part of that coming from greater distances. Time to get this show on the road!