The Great Train Escapade

We took a bus from our apartment to the train station. 65mins to cover 30 stops along the way. For those who are not in a hurry, this is a great way to see Beijing for RMB2.

We thought a meal at McDonalds would be a safer bet for the kids before our long train trip, but I was very disappointed with the food. Somehow the fries are 'different', and my BigMac had spent too much time waiting for a customer. The kids ate their dues so our job was done.

The train station was very crowded, as expected. Armed police were visibly everywhere, but they didnt seem to deter touts from doing their business. Train tickets are difficult to get during this period. An RMB500 ticket can be resold for RMB700. Airfare costs RMB1400.

Our train left exactly on time at 1234pm. Why cant the planes do the same?
Kristine and Kimberley went and stayed hyper-active as soon as we got into our cabin, jumping from bunk to bunk. With Kimberley needing help up and down the upper bunk, Grace and I were kept busy until Kimberley fell asleep at 9pm. 8.5 hours without relief nor escape! Kristine twisted and tossed until 10pm. The train was eletric, pulling 15 carriages, of which 1 is kitchen and dining, 1 to accomodate extra shift of conductors. Just 2 were seperated cabins --- 18 in all for 72 passengers. Rest were either public sleeperettes or non-reclining seats. Kristine and Kimberley didnt need tickets but we bought all 4 tickets in a cabin for privacy. That caused some confusion among the conductors looking for two 'other' adults in our cabin. Chatting to a conductor, none of the workers onboard was armed. Most troubles they encounter were unruly behaviors after heavy drinking. Once a conductor was punched up by three drunks. They were manually contained until the next stop to be handed to police. No jail term at that episode, just RMB2000 fine per culprit.

9 hours of havoc by the Kristine and Kimberley, then 10 hours of bliss and sleep during the night, and 3 more hours of morning and we got to MuDanJiang Station. Very much like taking Kristine and Kimberley camping in Australia.