With current restrictions and no child vaccine, it is unlikely we will be able to leave China until next summer… but we are lucky that once again domestic travel is open to us. This years mission is pandas and mountains… and maybe escaping people (pretty hard in a country with such a massive population).

This trip started 24 prior to departure with the “new normal” COVID test. Totally recommend Jiahui International hospital in Shanghai… little more expensive than the local hospital but they were so much more efficient and gentle. Results dropped in our wechat at 10:00 the next morning ready for out afternoon flight.

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Domestic travel seems simpler this year (so far anyway), with less than forms and QR codes. Apart from momenterally setting of a temperature scan and a bit of turbulence we arrived in chengdu relatively easy.

Lego boy who should now really be know as BasketBall boy (BBboy), (it’s literally all he packed in his day bag), declared it was the best aeroplane food ever. Seafood noodles and red bean bun. High praise from a boys who has been on so many planes!

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As we followed our driver up and down the isle of cars, we couldn’t help laughing as we were reminded of being picked up in London by Pom Pom who never knows were he parks either. I can’t wait till the world is a little more open and my parents can join us on these adventures again!

Chengdu our first stop with only 13 million people is over half the population of Shanghai, is still a massive city, famed for its Panda sanctuary and opera. We plan to stay just two nights before heading for the hills.