More Chengdu, More Pandas!

After an epic moving and unpacking, I hopped on a flight to Chengdu where I'd meet Lindsay who was flying from Beijing. My flight was scheduled to land an hour before hers but that's okay, because China and Chinese airports.

Of course, the nature of things had better plans in mind. For only the second time in myriad flights in China, we left on time. For perhaps the first time in history, we landed 35 minutes early. I was willing to take this as a success and lump the extra time reading away on my Kindle. But China never disappoints and between finding the other terminal (an 800 metre walk in 38 degree heat) and finding the unmarked, I swear to you, arrivals gate, Lindsay's flight was scheduled to arrive three hours late.

The amenities of Chengdu airport are as such: approximately 4 plastic chairs at arrivals (all occupied); a plethora of seats in departures (all occupied); one vendor selling dried squid, dried chicken feet, dried guts; one 7-11 where the shop assistant follows you around like you're a second-rate criminal about to stash a bag of 'italian meat flavoured but 100% vegetarian' crisps into your carry on luggage. After perusing the 'shops', I took to crouch-squatting on a metal bar (queued for the privilege) for the remainder of the time.

Jen: 0, Chinese Airports: 100

When Lindsay did eventually arrive, we made it back to Chengdu Flip Flop Hostel, still the best place to sleep in the city. I took her on a tour of everything I loved and wanted to see again including the illustriously oiled aubergine and the various twisty lanes and alleys.

This was all time filling for the main attraction though. Pandas were on the agenda and pandas we went to see. Same tour, better pictures.

Still chilling in the same position I left him in last time: 

He climbs:

He flips:

He charms all the ladies:

 If only:

 

The tiny print reads:  Gong Zoi has a mild temperament and a later-than-average nose. He is the character model of Kung Fu Panda.'

 Large proboscis and all, I think he's rather fetching:

 We also caught red panda in treetops. I guess it's as good a nap position as any:

Lindsay was geeked out to the max. Pandas? Pandas! In the process, her shiny happy I've never been in China before face, must have shone through--we were greeted with a China I have never experienced. People were kind and helpful, taxis picked us up and didn't try to fleece us; she was, indeed my lucky charm.

Pandas and good manners: winner, winner.