It started off with a rather heavy rain, the weather was very cold. We load all the big bags at the bottom of the bus before boarding the bus. We were briefed on our touring route on the bus. It took us quite some time to reach a patrol station where we met up with another group of friends. After the meeting up, we head off towards Yichang which is also called the YiLing in the past. I slept on the way there as I am feeling drowsy after taking the flu medicine. Upon reaching Yichang, we were brought to Yan Sha Da Jiu Dian to have our lunch. It was a wide spread containing chicken, duck fish and vegetable.

After finishing up the wide spread, we took a bus for 50 minutes before reaching the Dam. In order to reach there, buses have to have a special pass with them. We went through five tunnels and cross a bridge before reaching the entrance of the visitor area. There were many buses to ferry us to the various places for sightseeing. Our first station was the highest point around the hill. When we alight from the bus, the tour guide led us to look at the layout of the whole Dam. She gave an explanation on the structure of the Dam. There was also a souvenir shop there. We went out to take pictures of the Dam from the top view. After which, we climb up a structure where it is a highest point around the Dam. An ECE photo was taken at the peak.

The second station is the 185, we were the same level as the Dam. The Dam looked so tall and high when we look down. We had a magnificent view of the Dam. There were stores along the 185 stations. Suddenly, something caught our eyes. It was small key chains with pictures of the Dam printed on it. Our group brought one set which cost as 40 yuan. Off we go to the last station, the bottom of the Dam.

At the bottom of the Dam was a memorial park. We saw hundreds of tadpoles in the pond; one after another they form a line. Again, we saw the Dam but from another angle. We took lots of pictures over there. When we finish up the walk, it ended us in a souvenir shop. When we walk out, more stall vendors approach us. We saw the same key chains set being sold at 20 yuan. We were being scam. Tourist bus took us back to the starting area where we board the bus to have dinner at Yan Sha Da Jiu Dian.

We were supposed to be boarding the cruise at 6pm, however we were delayed at the Dam thus we were having dinner at 6pm instead. Everyone rushed through their dinner and got ready to proceed to the jetty. By the time we board the cruise, it was already 7.30pm. We went back to our assigned room and waited for the keys to come. We were told that the people on board were not happy as we delayed the time of the cruise by 1 and half hours. After getting our keys, my group met up to write our journal in Sasi and my room. We heard the announcement for us to gather at the dock at the forth storey. Everyone went out and was waiting patiently. Slowly, the gates opened. Two ships came out. As the two ships took a very long time to drive out, we were looking out for the North Star. Finally, both the ships were out and a green light was shone. Two ships went past us and head towards the gate. Knowing that it was not our turn yet, everyone headed back to our room to finish up our journal till we felt the cruise moving again.

Everyone rushed out to the forth storey to witness the process of the elevator. The cruise drove into the elevator and anchored at the movable anchor at the side of the wall beside the cruise. We touch the side of the Dam’s wall. After two ships were in, the gate closed. Water starts to be pump in. The cruise was suddenly leveled till it was the same height as the water upstream. The gate then open and the cruise drove out. As it was already very late, everyone went back to sleep. It was very cold when I woke up and I realized that we were already at the Fifth Dam.

When I am at the Dam, I am shocked by how tall and big is the Dam. I have learnt the whole process of building the Dam. This taught me a lesson which is not rushing to do things. Only with proper planning and enough patience, things can be done nicely and perfectly. Upon seeing the process of the Dam, I felt very touched. I could not believe that I am able to witness the process of the elevator at the Dam and to be even able to touch the wall of the Dam. I learnt that we have to be smart in China and always wait till the end before deciding to buy something. The key chain is a lesson leant for me. Not to be so impatience, wait till the end then do my decision.