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Letter 29
Monday 10.05.10 Chengdu
Yesterday I decided to try to get to Dujiangyan today by the new train. But this
morning I get the latest update to the wheather forecast for Jiuzhaigou (famous
national park north of Maoxian).
After some considerations I make up my mind. I`ll go there tomorrow and later go
south to Maoxian by bus. So I set off for the busstation. There are only few
busses a day - and all in the morning I think - so you have to get the ticket
the day before.
When I`m back - after having double checked with the staff that it is the right
destination and 8.00 in the morning - it`s maybe a little late to go to
Dujiangyan. And maybe thousands go there this first day? Does it work like all
chinese trains or is it maybe more like a metro or S-bahn (german expression -
don`t know the english) Nobody seems to know. It`s still not at the internet.
So I go to the railway station to find out. There`s a counter with the text
above: Foreign Guests. That must be the one, english speaking staff I think. But
no. Dujiangyan she understands and it seems the next train will be D6109 at
14:00. Arriving at 14:41. That will be too late so I just thanks for the
information.
With the train number it`s still not possible for the staff here to find
information at the website, but from the train no. I gather it works like any
other chinese train.
It`s partly sunshine and quite warm so I decide it`s time for laundry. If all
goes well it`ll be dry during the day?
So I have a kind of quiet day where I catch up on all that has been delayed.
Next will be to go to the bike shop to buy the tools I need for adjusting the
handlebar and unscrewing the pedals when I have to fly back. And buy a repair
kit for the tubes and maybe bags so I can do some serious biking?
I set off for a shop Joe, my local bicycle friend, has pointed out in the map.
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| Repair - instead of throwing away | Streetsweeper with umbrella-hat |
It`s easy to find, but can it really be this small shop? The owner is just
welding something on a ladys bike. The freewheel makes noise. Also this is fixed
with a lot of oil and fat. I wonder what this will cost?
She gives him 20. And get 15 back. You wouldn`t even be able to get it done in
Danmark, I think. Buy a new one!
I start with the tube, that he must have? And he has, chinese valve like I want
it. But the rest? No, except for the pump. 12 for a pump - taken.
So I move on to see if the "real" shop is some meters further down the road?
The bike seems a bit heavy. Is it the break? Then I realize that the front tyre
is running out of air. How lucky can you be? It could have happened everywhere
else. Now I turn around and go to ask, if the new tube also can be put on?
This is a job for the wife. Daddy has to eat, she`s just brought him the meal.
The tube is put on for free and I roll on homeward bound, now being able to pump
if nescessary.
After having washed my hands I set off again. For the more professional shop.
They will have everything I need?
I`ve been there before so it`s also easy to find - and not so far. The unbraco
set they have. And the tool for the pedals as well. And tools to get the tyre
loose, but that`s all. No repair set only some instant repair things that cost a
fortune. I want it with the good old glue. That`ll have to wait. I don`t ask for
bags for the bike, that`ll have to wait too.
I`ll have to get up early. The reception thought it would be a good idea to
leave from here 6.40. I can go there on bike in 15 min. And walk there in half
an hour? But it`s always good to have an extra margin in China - I know - now.