Another overnight train brought us to Yichang, for our Yangtze River Cruise. Let’s face it; not exactly the stuff of adventure, but as per Denis, if you want cruise on the Yangtze, and go through the locks, it’s the only option.

An enthusiastic crew worked hard to cater for western taste, without being all that clear what that is, and included day trips, plus educational demonstrations in the afternoons and entertainment after dinner. All the announcements were done in Chinese, German and English.

The trip ended with a "talent" show in which we – the passengers – were expected to participate. We initially balked, but fair’s fair. We decided to spoof both the Beijing Acrobats and the cruise. Denis surprised most everyone by announcing, in Chinese, that in the west, we too have acrobats, and as luck was with us, three members of the troupe were part of our group. Steve repeated it in posh British and I followed in German. The ladies then came out with umbrellas and started twirling and “balanced” them (holding them with their toes). It came off well.

We embarked at Chongong, flew to Guilion and boarded a bus for the three-hour bus trip to Yangshuo. Denis, generally giving the impression he’d rather be someplace else, was oblivious to the mutinous undercurrent.