DAY 13
Monday, 22nd October 2007
Nanning, China
Guangxi state TV studio
The victorious Team Singapore
Words of appreciationThe convoy departed Ninming this morning promptly at 8.30AM in order to arrive at 10.45AM in Nanning. We traveled 182 kms, making our grand total of 4,982 kms since we left Singapore.
The drive was at a leisurely pace through a landscape reminiscent of many of the Chinese paintings depicting high rocky mountains with sheer cliff faces and dense tree growth. The area between Ninming and Nanning is devoted entirely to sugar cane, as far as the eye can see. The Highway is perhaps one of the best we have encountered anywhere. The attention to landscaping of the highway shoulders and dividers was amazing and the standard of maintenance and cleanliness has to be seen to be believed.
The last 20 kilometers or so into Nanning have very heavily landscaped with tens of thousands of trees, shrubs and flowers and all were maintained to absolute perfection. Very impressive indeed.
The full Rally convoy had a police escort all the way from Ninming. Once we reached the city of Nanning, all roads leading to our route were blocked by the police giving us a clear, non stop run all the way to our hotel, the Best Western Red Forest Hotel. The feeling was that Nanning could be mistaken for Shanghai. This city and Province are China’s gateway to Indo China and South East Asia. Planners are looking well ahead in fulfilling this function.
Tonight’s dinner in the hotel was held early with many special guests including the very popular Deputy Governor of Quangxi Province. Much food and alcohol were consumed and a party atmosphere prevailed before we were taken by bus to a local television station for a live broadcast of the prize presentation ceremony.
Presentations were made in between some very entertaining dancing and singing performances. The show ran for about 1 ½ hours. Our Bingo appears to have made a big impact with the Deputy Governor. She was moved to give him a very big hug at the end of the show (repeated for the press as well). The big Cheese did us proud during the live interview that resulted in a rousing applause from the audience.
Both entries from Singapore won the Best Team and Safety Award respectively. In addition, all team members were presented with Friendship and Participation Certificates.
"The 2 Hyuandai's were handed to the organiser's appointed forwarder at Qin Zhou Port. We expect the cars to be back in Singapore by mid-November. Meanwhile, a review of the team's overall performance shall be posted on http://china-asean.blogspot.com in due course. We are thankful to those who have contributed towards the success of our team. Yet another happy ending for Team Singapore, Motorsports (TSM)."
Leslie Chang, Chief d’ Mission, TSM.
