Thanks for all the reviews of China Southern, and the train story from you, AUditor.

IN fact, thanks to my wise judgement my friend Rick & I avoided the smoky "cattle Car" of the trains. We did travel in first class, although our companions did smoke most of the way.

Rick said taking a train was a great way to see the country and meet different people. It was an unusual experience. No one at the railroad station ticket offices (except Shanghai) spoke English, it was confusing and yes, indeed everyone brought all their belongings and children and chickens and animals and other gear aboard. (A LOT OF CIGARETTE SMOKING. First thing I did in Shanghai was soak my clothes!)

A strange thing: Everyone was taking my picture (I was goateeless and thinner at the time.) I guess they never saw a JERZEE BOY before!

Next time I'll fly.

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CATMAN