Chillin' out in Yunnan

We're about at the end of our high-altitude week-long escape from the heat in Dali. Tomorrow, we are taking a bus back to Kunming (still high-altitude, at least) and then we've got to get a train to Guilin, where we'll be back in tropical heat and humidity. Getting a train might prove to be difficult, as the tourist season seems to be in full swing. Never mind the confusion at the train station, although the nice staff person at the Jade Emu Guesthouse wrote out our request for train tickets in Chinese, so hopefully all we have to do is find the right window and hand the note to the attendant.


Courtyard at the Jade Emu

Speaking of the Jade Emu, I can't say enough about how nice it is here. The owners (an Australian-Chinese couple - Dave and Snow) have really created a haven for backpackers (as well as more "mature" travelers.) After weeks of staying in places with limited English at reception, broken or dingy bathrooms,and just generally low standards, the Jade Emu is a refreshing change! They've got everything, including Wifi, BBC, DVDs, good showers, REAL toilet paper, etc., etc. Our room is right off the courtyard/bar area, but still not too noisy, even though the guesthouse is full. We also rented the best-maintained bikes we've had in Asia.


Fishermen at Lake Er Hai

Our bike ride was really nice. Following Dave's advice, we cycled to the lake, through the narrow streets of the village of Cai-Cun, and out into the rice and produce fields, cutting back over to the lake now and then to check out the local fishermen. The next day, we hiked up the mountain, following Snow's directions. The sun was a bit too strong, and although we never found the temple or the actual tourist route, we had a nice secluded hike up and down the mountainside.


Matthias on our hike

I know this is rather late in the post for me to start talking about food, but since the restaurants here seem to be very touristy, I've been letting Matthias drag me to the same noodle shop night after night (they DO have good noodles.) Plus, I know I've got another 5 months to try other Chinese dishes - and hopefully I'll soon learn enough Mandarin to be able to order without seeing what others are eating!


Matthias at his favorite restaurant

I don't know when I'll have internet again, or when/if I'll have access to the blog, but hopefully I'll be able to write again soon about my orientation in Yangshuo and my ultimate placement. 'Till then.