Well I've arrived to beautiful spring weather with daytime temperatures of around 20 degrees. The sky is of course a little blurry from the haze, but that's Shanghai for you.
The authorities have decided we can't visit Tibet. It's the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Tibet by the Chinese, and the locals aren't feeling that liberated. So, no foreigners allowed in till later in the year.
The trip is now planned to be via Chengdu and north west over the Tibetian plateau toward Golmud, then on to Urumqi.
The team here is in the last stage of readying the 4wd. In some cases in the first stages of getting ready. I had prepared an equipment list which no one seems to have looked at.
I met Stephan Mangaud yesterday, the young Frenchman who is coming with us. We zoomed around town on his scooter without helmets doing various chores. Quite different from the helmeted and organized regime back home.
Brother Paddy has a lovely apartment in central Shanghai. 3 double bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and ensuite. Large balcony with great views over the local area, no highrises around him. The apartment comes furnished, and being Patrick he has a live in maid. Paddy had the new spotlights and bull bars attached to the Toyota yesterday and is having the off road tyres fitted today. There is still a bit of cooking gear to get, and some food, but we are planning a Friday departure for Chengdu.
David Pay and Stephan will fly up and join us in Chengdu. I don't think Stephan is coming the whole way, as he has to be back here 5 May and Paddy wants to be back on the 11th.
So, not sure what I'll do from the 11th to 21st, I may drive the vehicle back myself with a translator friend! Time will tell- and it is supposed to be an adventure anyway.
John
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