As U2 famously sang, “It was a cold and wet December day”.  Our final lecture from Dr Fang was followed by a tour of the signalling and track departments of ECJTU.  The undoubted highlight was the huge working trainset – lights, tunnels, vehicles, goods and passengers ….

After another massive meal, we hopped on a bus and into Nanchang city we went.  They are undergoing major construction at the moment so the whole of Porcelain Street has moved, necessitating us to catch public transport.  We all piled on a bus, with the assistance of Linda and her band of super-enthusiastic students, and the exorbitant cost of 1 RMB (about 16 cents) per person!  Despite warnings of luggage size limits, many kilos of porcelain were purchased, KFC eaten (where did they fit it in) and Wal-Mart photos taken, and very happy students trudged back to the bus stop (in the cold and rain).  Finally – they could go shopping!!!

Dinner was superb.  Hosted by Dr Zhou Liping (our ECJTU liaison), and joined by Linda, Dr Fang and her daughter,  we dined on many delicacies and enjoyed each other’s company.  Dr Zhou very kindly gave everyone a gift of a porcelain thermos – they are very beautiful.

Tomorrow is our final full day in Nanchang.