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A different China!
Gary and I flew out of Hong Kong with another Life Long Leaner, Judith Potor. She wanted to go to the Yunnan province near the Tibetian border. She had planned the trip and wanted someone to go with her. It sounded like a trip we would really enjoy because it took us out of the big cities.
When we arrived in Kumming it was 6 degrees centigrade. Kumming means "always spring" but we found the coldest day. It is a city of about 300,000, a small city for China. We toured the town, went to the Stone Forrest and shopped for jade. The Stone Forrest is where the Russia and India plates pushed up through the ocean and exposed these unusual rock formations. Very beautiful!
We then took a short flight to Dali where we toured the old town of Shaxi.. The town was very clean and kept in the traditional style. We then followed the Tea and Horse trail that runs from Yunnan to Tibet. We stayed at boutique old style hotels. They were all wood and provided heating blankets for the beds since there is not room heat. The altitude was high and it was mostly cloudy so our views of the snow capped mountains was not possible.
On our drive to Zhongdian [Shangri-la] we passed the first bend of the Yangtze River where the Red Army crossed and changed history. We stayed in the old town of Shangri-La. We could see the monastery and the largest prayer wheel. The sky was clearer here with some sun so we were able to enjoy the snow capped mountains. We were above 10,000 feet so the oxygen was thin. Gary and I did OK with the altitude. Judith, our companion had a little trouble. This was our favorite place as we went to a small village out in the country. There were Yaks, pigs and sheep being grazed on the country side by traditionally dressed young women. We stopped to visit with a group of 10 having lunch. They laughed with us and talked with our guide. They shared their cookies with us and we gave them some candy we had brought. Later in that village we were invited into a home for a visit. The lady of the house served us yak cheese and yak butter tea. It was very comfortable and beautiful. They still cook on a wood fire in the middle of the room. The livestock live enclosed, at night, on the ground floor and the family above.
As we looked passed the village our guide pointed to a group of buildings. It was a five star hotel complete with spa. We visited it and it was exquisite and very expensive. It looked like a place for really getting away from it all.
We had three meals at a restaurant that our guide liked. The chef was a friend and the food was excellent. The guide gave us a choice of other places but we were happy with that one. The chef was from Nepal and his wife from Tibet. We were only 20 KM from Tibet.
This trip really gave us a different feeling about China. These people laughed a lot, worked hard but were relaxed and friendly. The towns and villages looked to be very well organized and clean. It really made us want to see other areas of China, away from the tourist and big cities.
- comments
Barb Hey Clarice and Gary.....sounds like it was a good decision to join your friend and go to Zhongdian...aka Shangri-La! Know how cold it can get up there....happy the sun came out and you got to see the magnificent mountains. Will be anxious to hear more when we travel together again. Stay well.
Joyce and John Hi both. So enjoying following your adventures. You must be having the trip of your life! What an amazing experience in China - as we never think of China in that way. Continue to enjoy.
Sue Blass What a trip you all are having and the memories you are accumulating. You are going to places that few of us even know exist. I hope there is a chance for Ned and I to see some of your pictures. Home must be on your horizon.