Guangzhou Crew goes West

There are eight English teachers assigned to Guangzhou, four of us at South China University of Technology, Jim and Karen Fisher from Folsom CA and Craig and I and four assigned to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Wynn and Cecelie Costly and Rich and Laurie Pinegar both couples from Idaho.  Both schools have finally completed first semester so we decided to take a short out and back trip to South West China together. Staying inside China always provides an interesting backdrop that is better enjoyed in a group to keep our sense of humor.

We flew to Guilin to start the adventure.  We took a river cruise down the Li River to see close up the extraordinary limestone formations.  It is very dry and cold this time of year, however I have learned from past experience if you are in education you need to take the time when you have it so off we go with boots, coats and gloves. 

We visited the Reed Flute Cave filled with stalagmites and stalactites limestone rock formations that reminded me of the cave we visited with Garrett in Monterrey, Mexico.  This cave however was the warmest location of the day.  Once we descended down into the cave the temperature increased to a comfortable no hats and gloves hike through the cave.  There was a grotto that could hold at least 1,000 people where a movie presentation about the history of this area.

From Guilin to Kunming provided us with a mighty chilly visit around the countryside in a cart.  We visited another UNESCO Site, The Stone Forest.  The landforms are a result of wind and rain erosion along with several earth quakes. It was an outdoor venue, with a brisk wind and sunshine by the end of the hike through the forest. 

At least two of the group was suffering from intestinal digestive problems from the local “spinner dinners” that we had eaten.  (Spinner dinner as we affectionately began to call the lazy susan center of the table that spins the Chinese quizine that are served family style for the lunch and dinner options our group was offered.)  We were slowing down the pace.

Next stop, Lijang and Dali both cities reminded me of Park City, very attractive tourist venues.  The open markets and street venders were out with amazing embroidery items and anything you can imagine made from marble from the local marble quarry.  This was the first time western foods were available, no McDonalds or KFC but we were still able to get hamburgers, soup and baked potatoes, all things that we recognized.  We were all beginning to feel better immediately. We took a boat ride out on the lake to see cormorants catching fish.  We hiked the city wall around the city only to discover that there was only one location to get up and down from the wall, so really we walked around the city wall then walked back to find the only staircase down.  I am sure that was posted in Chinese, however we are all very limited in understanding Chinese signs. 

Probably the highlight of the Dali stop was the Three Pagodas.  We met and talked to a resident monk through our guide and visited the Buddha’s at all the levels in the site.  Seems like the more I learn about Chinese culture the more I need to understand.   There were two side buildings that housed 500 golden Buddas at least ten feet tall that were placed in exhibition for the “good” contributions they had made.  It was explained they were similar to being sainted in a Christen religion.  Pretty amazing place.

We were all glad to get back to Guangzhou and some warm temperatures, but especially to pass by the local McDonalds on the way home.