Three Gorges Dam

May 16, 2014

Every evening I say to myself that in the morning I'm going to up to the sundeck and practice Tai Chi with Master Tom (not his Chinese name, but maybe it is?  Tom could very well be a Chinese last name), but once I get up and have my shower, the little coffee machine beckons and I can't seem to leave the veranda until breakfast.  Oh well.

So this morning after breakfast we board the most recent iteration of Jack's Bus for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam.  The dam was opened in 2008, and is the world's largest artificial generator of electric power from a renewable source.  In addition to providing much cleaner electricity than coal, the dam created a reservoir that has stopped the disastrous flooding on the river, which in the worst flood, in 1931, caused an estimated 145,000 people to lose their lives.  The dam's construction was not without controversy, however, as it brought about the displacement of over a million people living in cities, towns, and villages along the river.  Additionally, significant architectural and archaeological sites were destroyed, along with spectacular scenery.

We are not permitted inside the dam itself, but we do get close enough to take a few nice shots.

We return to the ship for lunch, and afterwards, David heads up to the lounge for a Mahjong lesson.  I choose to spend a little more time reading on the veranda.  I did get a couple of pictures this time.

Shortly before dinner we enter one more lock, as we sail through the Gezhouba Dam.  After dinner, David and I pass on the Crew Cabaret show and opt for more dancing.  Upon returning to our cabin, we find that our cabin steward, Robert (not his Chinese name) has left us a towel doggie.  Cute!