Time for Train Travel
We woke bright and early today as we had to catch a train to Guiyang, several hours south. We packed our huge backpacks, and were on our way to the bus, which would hopefully take us to the train station. Even though it had only been a couple of days, we were craving some western food. For today’s breakfast we feasted at McDonald’s! Our cards weren’t compatible with the machine, so we had to order on the machine, then pay cash. We were using MasterCard, but this wasn’t having any of it.
I seemed to have lost my appetite. Whether that’s due to jet lag or because of the huge change in food types, I wasn’t able to eat all of my breakfast. So I wrapped it up and saved it for later. It was very frustrating that Google Maps didn’t work in China, as I had been relying on to get us around. Thankfully, Mat had an iPhone (the only time you’ll hear me say that!), and Apple Maps did work. In fact, I’m not afraid to say Apple Maps was fantastic, it had bus time tables and the prices on them. I couldn’t believe how good it was.
Tip!
Keep in mind that Google Maps doesn’t work and could leave you in a panic. Luckily Apple Maps worked a treat. It’s entirely possible to experience China without digital maps, but with no English in sight, it’s a helluva lot more difficult! You could try Baidu Maps, but this is all in Chinese.
Our first bus
We headed to the bus stop and waited patiently. Time to get our first bus! I was anxious about telling the driver where we wanted to go (like we do in the UK). However, it turns out there’s just one fare you pay no matter how far you go. The best thing is, it only costs ¥1, for the entire trip! We had about an hour’s drive on the bus, I couldn’t believe the value for money. So we put our ¥1 note in the box, and found a seat for us and our bags.
Some time in to the bus journey, Mat, who’s sitting behind me, says he really needs the toilet. It’s worth stating here that Mat has had months of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) possibly down to his extreme change in gym workout diet, and possible lactose intolerance. I’m stating this because the need to relieve comes fast and all of a sudden…and he had milk for breakfast. There wasn’t much we could do. We had a train to Guiyang to catch, and we had quite a while on the bus to go. The poor fellow even considered ‘going’ in the bin on the bus, these were desperate times for Mat. His legs were shaking, and he broke out in a sweat. The bus had filled up considerably, and he had a lovely and probably somewhat confused old lady next to him, unsure what to make of his behaviour.
A messy situation!
Eventually our bus stop is next, and we get off. I pull up Google Translate (the only Google thing to work) and frantically type in ‘toilet’ on Mat’s behalf. We found a couple of cleaners, and try to pronounce the word for toilet “Cèsuǒ”. I was sure I was saying it just like the woman on the app. In the end I just had to show them the phone. They thought about it, and were pointing down the street. Mat looked like he was about to sprint 100 metres. However, they actually pointed at a building behind us. This turned out to be an Internet Cafe. So we ran inside and asked for the toilet. The guy at the bar/reception pointed outside, and Mat raced off. I bought a bottle of water out of courtesy for the use of facilities.
We thanked the man for the toilet usage, and caught the next bus to the train station. The heat was really getting us down too, no Air Con on these buses. We got off the bus near the train station, but due to road works we had to navigate a maze of bridges and streets.
A tense train chase
Time started to tick and only 20 minutes until our train to Guiyang would depart. We manage to find the ticket office, to the side of the main entrance. If you’re from the UK (maybe the West in general), then you know proper ‘queuing etiquette’. As in ‘first come, first served’. It seems China may have missed this memo. Despite our train to Guiyang leaving so soon, we tolerated several people pushing in. As the anxiety crept in, we managed to get our tickets. We literally only had 4 minutes to go, and no idea where we were meant to be. The both of us sprinted to the main entrance, with our huge back packs on.
Thankfully the train station staff saw our desperate faces and let us go through the VIP section for checking in. We had to put our bags through an x-ray scanner, and then we jetted it up the escalators. At full speed we bolted it down some stairs and to the train. With 2 minutes to spare, the train hostesses scolded us (in a friendly manner) for our punctuality, and let us on. The pair of us were absolutely dripping with sweat, and aching like no other due to the luggage. We were on a slow train which are very basic and apparently foreigners rarely use them. This explains the vast amount of stares we caused.
Tip!
After this experience, we made sure to give ourselves at least 2 hours at the train station. This makes sure you have time to get your train tickets (we booked on Trip.com, you get a reference number in the app and show it to them), get through security (showing passport multiple times and putting luggage through x-ray scanner, like at an airport), and time to get to the correct platform. Make sure to keep hold of your ticket, you’ll need it to get out of the station when you arrive.
We made it...somehow
We sat down on our seats with a feeling of disbelief that we actually made it in time. The train to Guiyang set off, and we were away. My next 5 hours were taken up by attempting to sleep, and admiring the stunning scenery we were whizzing past. On trains in the UK, I’m used to seeing a few fields, trees, and unsightly towns. In China however, the mountains and countryside are beautiful and amazing.
Once we got off the train to Guiyang, we were presented by what I can describe as mayhem. People and vehicles everywhere. We caught a bus to near where our hostel was located, and then had the arduous task of actually locating it. Our hostel wasn’t in the city centre, but a mile out or so. It was so hot and dusty; we couldn’t wait to arrive. By chance, I spotted the hostels sign hanging over a balcony. Both of us rushed up the side alley and checked in. We had to give our passports over for a few minutes whilst they scanned them.
They showed us to our dorm, which seemed sort of dingy and derelict. Not the best first impression of Asian hostels. I wasn’t expecting the Hilton, but it had to be better from here on out at least. We unloaded and sat down, just reflecting on the day, and what had cracked off. Amazing really.
Checking out Guiyang
A Chinese friend of mine was coming to meet us for a couple of days, but not until later. So we decided to head out and check the area, as well as get some food. We found a local convenient store and bought some snacks (for breakfast) and a Chinese power adapter for our phones. So cheap for only ¥10! We carried on down the street and decided on having some meat on satay sticks. Some looked pretty unappetising, so we played it safe and went for vegetable/chicken satays. They were very nice though.
We headed back to our dorm to rest for a bit, and then finally met my Chinese friend, Cristina, who I’d known for about 3 years. It was so good to finally meet her and speak to her in person. The 3 of us spoke about random nonsense and our future plans for hours. She offered to be our guide for the next couple of days, I can’t wait! It was after midnight before we decided to call it a day, and look forward to what Cristina decided to show us!
Extras
