We had obtained Lim Jane’s contact through another free lancer who became unavailable for the day our boat was set to board Xiamen port. Our boat, the Norwegian Jewel, did not reach the port, which was closed part of the day due to heavy fog, until 3:00PM. We maintained communication with the original free lance guide who had a WhatsApp app available and relayed the information to Lim.
...read more We had obtained Lim Jane’s contact through another free lancer who became unavailable for the day our boat was set to board Xiamen port. Our boat, the Norwegian Jewel, did not reach the port, which was closed part of the day due to heavy fog, until 3:00PM. We maintained communication with the original free lance guide who had a WhatsApp app available and relayed the information to Lim. Lim Jade was waiting since 10h30AM when 3 of us finally reached her; at that time, our 11 o’clock AM presold ferry tickets to Galangyu Island had lapsed and alternate arrangements were needed. Even the ship’s excursions had been all canceled but the stay was extended by two hours to 10h30PM. Lim took us to the terminal terrace to explain how Xiamen was a large island populated by 4 million inhabitants, its history as a strategic port and its close relationship to Taiwan where many in Xiamen may have relatives and a common dialect. She showed us Galangyu island and both egret islands somewhat shaped as crocodiles! We needed to sit to redefine our tour strategy to meet the time frame available; we mentioned a combination of shopping, foodies and site tour was agreeable to us. To be more efficient, she suggested a private car she called and that reached us with in 30 minutes. Our first stop takes us across the island through 3 or 4 very long tunnels to a duty free taiwanese store with specialty tea and tasting, silk scarves, coral jewelry, jade, high grade watches and so many other great luxury buys. We are happy buying tea and low price silks. Then, we embark and make it through traffic looking on the way at the BRIC 2017 summit sites and large Xiamen modern buildings along the shore. We arrive at Nanputuo buddhist temple and pagoda, a sacred site to be treated with respect as buddha pictures are restricted, but an experience in the midst of the city as the temple, incense lamps and 2 pagodas and lakes are set amiss like an island in the city’s core. A unique experienced not to be missed. Thereon, we are on our way to a seafood and dim sum restautrant that is uniquely popular. Only the seafood upscale section has seats available which is in agreement with us. On the way, we stop at the ATM of the Bank of China for some currency. Access to JiaLin seafood restaurant can be restricted but our car is admitted and the place is lighted in red chinese characters in the early evening. The experience is unique choosing every fish and seafood from aquariums or stalls of crushed ice of diverse Variety, even urchins which we select. All must be ordered ahead, as we will learn, even dessert and watermelon. Tea will be plentiful and always available. Our food along with a fried rice, steamed shrimps, scallops on a shell with the corail and a whole fish which is arranged for us is supreme and a prime experience as Lim is invited with us. After such a great meal and considering the time, we decide to go back to the boat. We are very grateful and happy with our guide Lim Jade and her patience and her time as a 3 month old new mother. Her contribution has made our Xiamen stop a great and memorable stop we will be happy to remember. Thanks to you Lim Jade and to our great chauffeur!
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