Yes, for Indians too!!
By Dr Mythili Venkateswaran
My husband and I often take off on holidays with our grandchildren. And having travelled to most countries, this time we zeroed in on China. We had decided to go through a tour operator, because China was a big country, and language would be an issue. And for my fussy Tam-Brahm palate, food would be an issue too. From my internet research, Thomas Cook looked like a promising option. I remembered that my student Vaidehi worked with them as tour manager. She assured me that their Chinese Extravaganza was a great tour, and we should go for it.
And we did…
China: History, Nature and Incredible Urban development and Growth…
China. Third world. Developing. Poverty. Usual words and phrases associated with the large nation. But we saw none of it. What we saw was a beautiful, highly developed country that could give any “developed” Western country a run for its money. A country that had managed to preserve its rich heritage and history, showcase it all well, and grow as a nation – with brilliant infrastructure and facilities.
We covered Beijing, Zhangzhou, Lu Yong, Xian, Chongqing, a relaxing three-night river cruise on the Yangtze, Yichang, Hangzhou, Shanghai. Within the country, in addition to the coaches that our group of 26 moved around in, we enjoyed two high speed bullet train rides and two domestic flights.
In each city we saw clean organized roads, high rise buildings, beauty, structure… cities that were as beautiful as any we had seen in New York, Amsterdam, or London. And around these cities were the well- preserved historical sites, temples, caves, excavated relics and grottos. Along picturesque gorges, lakes, mountains and greenery.
We were completely unprepared for what we saw and experienced.
And how can I not mention two fantastic shows that we saw? Golden Mask Dynasty and The Story of the three Kingdoms. Spectacular shows that blew me away with their brilliant use of technology, music and costumes to tell their story. We saw floods on stage!!
The Thomas Cook Experience – Hassle-free travel, with every little need taken care of…
From the time we were received at Beijing airport by Bhavin, our tour manager, till the time we were bid good bye to at Shanghai for us to board our return flight to India, it was a breeze.
Very thoughtful arrangements made for a happy travel experience –drinking water, battery car rides, porterage for our larger bags – every little aspect was thought through. Bhavin, ably assisted by Abhiraj and Amir, managed time excellently with his high level of planning and organization skills. Friendly, helpful and highly client oriented, the Thomas Cook team constantly and continuously ensured safety and comfort of the group members.
At every city and site there was an English-speaking Chinese guide. These guides received us at the train station or airports and stayed with us till we departed from the place. Very friendly and helpful, all of them. Jerry, Cherry, Lily, Tan, Mandy, Melinda, Brian, and Stephen and Daniel on the cruise – all made it easier for us to understand and appreciate the local attractions better.
I’ve never been in my hotel room within five minutes of entering the lobby. But it happened with Thomas Cook. No waiting to complete check-in formalities. Everything taken care of for you. You enter the hotel, collect your room keys from Bhavin, and just go up to your room. And all hotels were very good, with comfortable rooms and large spreads for breakfast.
Food – I had no problems, and that says a lot!!
I am fussy. I carry my own food even on an international British Airways flight from Chennai to Heathrow. But I had absolutely no problems. Most lunches and dinners were at high quality Indian restaurants, with some restaurants even serving sambar and rasam! The few Chinese meals we had also served vegetarian food that we could relish.
I had a problem at Shanghai airport though. Nothing vegetarian was available. Not Thomas Cook’s fault. But maybe you should get the hotel to pack some sandwiches for you if you need to eat at the airport… Or manage with cookies, cake and fruit.
Crises Management: The Thomas Cook Team Rose to the Occasion…
We faced two difficult situations – one cancelled bullet train service from Lu Yong to Xian, and one delayed flight – major 8 hours delay – from Yichang to Hangzhou. Both situations were handled brilliantly by Bhavin and his boys. On both occasions, generous amounts were given out per person to ensure we didn’t go hungry.
At Xian, arrangements were made to have our Indian meal packed and delivered at our hotel.
On the day of the delayed flight, we had a three-hour coach ride to Shanghai from Hangzhou. But since we reached Hangzhou only after midnight, Bhavin decided to book us into a hotel, so that we could make the trip after a night’s rest. I was apprehensive about the kind of hotel we’d have to be in, as it was all so last minute. But we stayed in Holiday Inn, and it turned out to be one of the best hotels I’ve ever been in!
Hats off to Bhavin, Abhiraj and Amir for managing the situations so well, and kudos to Thomas Cook for facilitating it all.
Toilets: Be equipped…
Toilets are plenty. Even in highly crowded public places, the facilities exist. But in many places, you only have the Indian style full-squatting ones. All toilets have good flushing systems, but many have no toilet paper and other than the flush, there is no water in the cubicles. We carried our toilet tissue rolls everywhere.
But I’ve still not found an answer to my question – if there’s no water, and no tissue, how?
Thomas Cook’s Chinese Extravaganza – Experience China the Best Way.
Yes, I recommend it strongly. August was hot and humid. Perhaps April or October might have been better weather. But the grandchildren could make it only in August. And they loved it. So people, don’t make China the last destination on your list of places to visit. It’s a good holiday destination. And with Thomas Cook, you leave all the hard work to them.
Here are a few pictures from our trip…