I think today was probably my favourite day in China so far, and it probably cost less than most days. At 8am we woke up and got showered then headed down to reception. Mel and I rented bikes for only 10 yuan then set off for a long and busy day! Firstly we hit west street to grab some breakfast. We had two blt baguettes to fuel our cycling. Aftter breakfast I got out my trusty map of yongshuo and figured out where we were going. Our first destination, moon hill, was about 4 miles away. Easy! I hopped on my bike and set off. What's interesting again about china is there our no rules of the road so cycling can be quite scary. I used to worry about dad out cycling in civilised roads, if he could have seen me today! I was weaving through cars, mopeds, crossing roundabouts, and all in 35 degree heat! But it was amazing! It really made me think about purchasing a good bike when I'm home and going on cycles with dad.

The scenery on our cycle was incredible. We were surrounded by cliffs and the li river. Fishermen were out in their bamboo rafts just plodding along. We stopped for a couple of photos over a nice bridge and then headed back on the trail. We finally reached moon cave hill and the sweat was lashing of us! Moon cave hill is a hike with the end goal being a large moon shaped hole at the top which overlooks yongshuo. We set off not really knowing what to expect, and my goodness it was tough! The hike was steps from bottom to top, which is more difficult than you would think! At several points we thought we weren't going to make it but that would be giving up! Eventually we heard people talking and realised we must be near the top. Pretty soon we had made it. The top of the hill gave a 360 view to all of yongshuo, amazingly lovely! Words and pictures don't do it justice, it's the type of place you have to experience for yourself.

We hopped back on our bikes to the Buddha cave where we were going to enjoy the mud bath and hot springs. We left our stuff In our locker and then queued for the cave. We definitely got more than we bargained for. An English tour guide took us round the entire cave telling us about the rock formations and how they have changed over the years. We finally got to the mud bath and changed into our swimming gear. The mud bath was freezing!!! But as soon as we were in it for five minutes it was ok. I spotted a slide so of course I had to go down it, to the joy of all the other Chinese Tourists! We got out of the mud showered and then headed over to the hot springs. Mel reckons this place is a manmade hot springs but to be honest I wouldn't really know the difference! The water was lovely and steamy like a sauna, 30 minutes of pure relaxation. We then got changed and headed back on our bikes to west street. It was time to eat again as all we had done was cycle for hours! I had some crap Chinese dish and so did Mel. Cheap as chips but not as good.

We then cycled back to the hostel and by this time I was feeling the burn! We dropped off the bikes, showered again and got ready to see what the market was like. We walked back down from the hills and walked along the streets. We found a nice we roofop cafe which overlooks the mountains. While we were sitting there a girl came in and asked if she could have help with her English. I ended up helping her for over an hour and really enjoyed it. Lisa was so happy that she was learning new words for her degree and that made me feel good! She also said I was a good teacher and I should teach English in china. I politely told her I love china, but I've seen it and will soon be moving on! As amazing as china is, the cultural differences are very hard to deal with sometimes! We said goodbye to Lisa and then grabbed a late snack. Vegetarian burgers! My stomach did not take well to it , or did mels.

It was now time to go back to the hostel and it was one of the scariest things I have ever experienced. I remember reading that the path to the hostel was dark, but I sort of took it with a pinch of salt. The entire road leading up to the hostel was pitch black . You could not see an inch infront of you. Mel and I turned on the torch app on our phones and held it out for some light and direction. It was like a scene from a horror movie. Even though I knew I was was probably very safe in yangshuo, the rustling in the trees and the random noises behind us were too freaky. I have never been so happy to see the sight of my hostel, and Mel and I agreed to never do the walk again.