Er... "plane travel". (Freudian slip)

Thanks hedgepig! Yes, I'm weary of pane travel and could only find 700 kuai one way tickets(maybe because its too close to the upcoming May 1st holiday). So opted for the soft sleeper to ourselves at 1540 kuai. I'll follow up with a rating of our experience. We'll try the Traffic Hotel too! Many thanks!

"The Bridge" has Australian and German trained therapist and a psychiatrist. Their English is excellent and prices reasonable. My counselor/coach was worth it. Here is the link to their information which includes contact info, services provided, and a map. It is very near Wen Lin Jie.

www.dawenchina.com/index.php?id=home&L=0

I need to travel next week to the U.S. consulate in Chengdu to renew a passport. Have never done this before. Has anyone taken a soft sleeper train to Chengdu arriving in the morning, then gone to the consulate appt., and then taken the train back later in the afternoon? Any tips or suggestions? I've heard that the train ride is relaxing with lots of nice scenery. Just wondering if 2 people traveling together would have to share a sleeper compartment with 2 strangers.

Thanks!

Yep. At the risk of sounding defensive, my haircut was about 400 yuan and coloring was 540 yuan (which I only do 3 times a year) I ride my electric bike everywhere, eat local food most of the time, and I don't drink. So... I love getting pampered this way. I guess we all have our different priorities and choices. One of mine is a very good haircut!