The Worlds Highest Railway

Having caught the train bug, we decided to ditch our original plans to see more of China; opting instead to try out the recently opened route from Beijing to Lhasa. The new Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world, climbing from 2829m above sea level at Golmud to 3641m at Lhasa, with much of the track built on permafrost. The highest point is the Tanggula Pass at 5072m. Because of the lack of oxygen at such altitude, the coaches have extra oxygen pumped into them. We slept in a 6-berth cabin consisting of triple-decker bunks. Top bunks not recommended for vertigo sufferers.


The train played host to two prestigious events. Firstly the inaugural Chino-Scots Arm Wrestling Championships, which - after a few hard fought bouts - resulted in a narrow victory for the Chinese. Second up was the illustrious Chino-Scots hairiness Competition which was only ever going to have one outcome - a comprehensive victory for the Scots. In fact, my hairiness provided much amusement for the baldy-chested Chinese travelling with us. I can only imagine how they would have reacted to meeting Airdrie (for those not in the know, Airdrie (a.k.a. Roy) is an acquaintance who is perhaps the hairiest man in the world - in fact, more monkey than man - you reading this blog Roy?)


Anyways, I digress; back to our thoughts on the train ride - whilst not quite up to the standard of scenery on the Edinburgh-Glasgow line it was impressive nonetheless...


Cribbage Update: Jools 10 Kev 6