Birthday surprise in Suzhou

Off on a birthday adventure, I had no idea where we were going!

Yesterday morning, despite feeling a little under the weather, Amy and I headed off into the unknown (for me at least) on my birthday surprise trip. Amy was extremely secretive in her organisation and planning, and kept me guessing all day. Our first stop was the train station, where all I knew was that we were heading in the direction of Shanghai for a day of western treats.

Which magazine should I buy? The Bookworm - cute cafe/library/bookstore.

After quickly disembarking at Suzhou, we were on our way to the next event of the day - a visit to the Bookworm cafe/library/book store down a small side street next to a canal. Here, we spent an hour browsing the shelves for holiday reading for the Phillippines, wishing that Wuxi had an English library and lamenting the fact that Wuxi also didn't have a Bookworm

With my new reading material. Moet for brunch anyone?

From the Bookworm, it was on to the main event of the day - the Kempinski hotel for a delicious buffet brunch, complete with Moet champagne and views across TaiHu lake. Here, we spent a lazy three hours enjoying smoked salmon, tacos, grilled meats, pastries, desserts and yummy icecream.

Tacos........yum!

Amazing selection of beautifully presented desserts.

From the Kempinski, it was time to head back to the train station, ready to return to Wuxi. Thank you for a lovely, civilised day out of Wuxi Amy!!

Kempinski, Suzhou. VIPs at Suzhou train station.

Unfortunately, today I have been holed up in my apartment sounding remarkably similar to a dog barking each time I cough. I am hoping that it improves soon as I am getting mighty bored here and am reluctant to take Chinese medicines. The Chinese don't queue for anything......except getting on a train. Strange.