Day 3, Suzhou-Wuxi (The Afternoon)

Seated in the front of the coach ready to take off...

After lunch at the Silk Emporium we boarded our luxury coach to make our way to Wuxi.  This was estimated at about one and a half hours traveling time.

Just as we drove into Wuxi a huge teapot shaped building came into view on my left, and I quickly picked up my camera.  This 10 story office building was a gift to someone like me who collects teapots from around the world.  Too bad I could not pick it up and wrap it to take home...sigh!

Teapot Building in Wuxi

However we were soon to stop in a Master teapot Museum in Wuxi where I would have my fill of creative handmade teapots created by Wuxi Masters and each one unique and imaginative.  Enraptured in my obsession with teapots, I finally decided to buy a simple, traditional style Wuxi Purple Sand Teapot.

My purchase nicely boxed

A picture on the inside of the teapot

Nicely wrapped in silk cover

After a brief shopping spree of teapots, the group headed to Liyuan Garden. "It is said that Li Lake got its name from Fan Li, who was a senior official of the state of Yue and retired to his hometown after defeating the state of Wu. One afternoon, he went boating with one of the most beautiful women in ancient China named Xi Shi and created the gardens"

 After our dreamy walk in the gardens and having being introduced to a new guide "Faye Faye" from Wuxi, we had taken in so much information that the serenity of the gardens was the tranquil transition we needed.  Leaving the gardens Faye Faye and Sky took us to dinner and promised us a late night walk in Wuxi to get to know the vibe of the city.  The comedian in our group had us laughing as he referred to the guide as "Fiffi Fuffu"...

Dinner in Wuxi

As promised we took the coach to Nanchang Street, where we were allowed to stroll over an hour of free time.  This charming and fashionable pedestrian street was composed of both ancient and modern architectural styles.  The street was alive with a modern vibe.  In one street corner couples were dancing to piped music, and we quietly intruded to enjoy one session of the waltz.  Restaurants with street-side seating were buzzing with food and people chatting as they enjoyed dinner in this excitement. Starbucks and other familiar names sat comfortably with local businesses, everyone of them full of people.

This restaurant was just opening

After our excitement on charming Nanchang Street we were ready to call it a night, and drove back to our hotel for the night in Wuxi - Swiss-Belhotel Liyuan

I am seen here taking a photo of the China teacups in our room

We ended the night with a drink in the hotel bar.  Kevin slept through the treat as Tim bought us all a round of Baileys!

 Good night till Day 4....