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.
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.
I can't get over Dad's beard!! That was some scary looking food! Hope your stomach survives the rest of your stay :) Once again, it looks like you're visiting some very cool places. I'm in awe at the amount of cultural experiences you're taking in…what a great adventure! love and miss you both!!
ReplyDelete