I slept until 11am! Everyone in the room must have been so quiet in the morning! I have the ‘Western Breakfast’- French toast, bacon and a fruit salad and work on my blog a bit. With the VPN I can actually try to get things online now too. 

I spend the morning walking around Chengdu. The roads remind me of American roads, wide and straight, with large over head signs and crossing countdowns. I can't work out the roads though, people seems to still be turning on red and the quiet bikes are a law unto themselves; they ride in the roads, bike lanes and pavements. I buy a fold up Mac- something I certainly didn't need in India and find a small coffee shop. There's an enormous golden Labrador with a massive head and big paws in there who gives me a sloppy welcome. It's nice being able to pet unknown dogs! The café is playing Rumor type easy listening music, there are shelves and piles of mismatch and tatty books in both Chinese and English, the lighting is low and there are multiple seating options; leather sofas, high stools at cocktail tables, arm chairs and cushions on the window ledge. I take a window ledge cushion, order a coffee and read Shantaram. Realising I had been there for a couple of hours, I begrudgingly leave, admitting that I really should see more of the city, and I spend the afternoon aimlessly wandering. 

I get back to the hostel, find a free sofa and read until bed. I finally finish Shantaram. I really picked up the interest and pace when I had been to Mumbai. It's a long read, but worth it. Thank you for buying it for me, Al.