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These last two days have been spent at Jiuzhaigou
The town itself is nothing to write home about and it was a journey from Hell to get here, but that said, it has totally been worth it.
Because the airport here is 3000 metres above sea level the fights are subject to frequent weather-related delays, and that was certainly the case for us. We were stuck at Chongqing airport for an extra six hours. While this normally wouldn't be too bad as we could entertain ourselves easily enough, the airport was FREEZING! Almost literally. The cold air just seems to blow into most Chinese buildings, windows and doors are frequently left open, nobody except us seems to be bothered! All our warm clothes were in our checked-in bags, so we tried to keep moving to generate a bit of heat. I was beginning to worry but finally our fight could be boarded again (we had first boarded the plane much earlier only to have to leave again).
As the plane approached Jiuzhaigou we experienced rather much turbulence for my liking. It was only a small plane and we seemed to be blown around alot. I thought we might be in trouble but then through the mist we saw the runway and touched down safely to everyone's relief.
It was late now and were were the only two who wanted to take the airport bus into town (an hour and a half drive). However, the bus would not leave without at least five passengers. The taxi drivers encircled us like vultures, grinning at our predicament. The would charge us 200 yuan into town. We decided to wait for the last arrival of the day to see if there would be more passengers for the bus. The taxi drivers were not very pleasant, saying that if there weren't enough passengers for the bus they would charge us 400 yuan! They laughed but we waited. Fortunately the last flight brought some bus passengers, among them a lovely young Chinese couple from Guangzhou. They rang around hotels for us and so we didn't have to worry about finding a place to stay. And our hotel was lovely and warm for a change, with electric blankets and a heater!
We got up on my birthday and I opened all my cards. Thanks, everyone. Then we went into Jiuzhaigou Park. It was worth it all! What a wonderful place to spend my 37th birthday. The park is simply the most impressive display of natural beauty either of us has ever seen...
There are stunningly blue and amazing green lakes. Some lakes are both blue and green! It may sound ridiculous and it may look fake, but it is real. It is beautiful. There are many rushing waterfalls, there are forests of green trees backed by snow-capped mountains. There are Tibetan villages dotted around the park. I hope my iPod pictures do it some justice.
The first day in the park we used the tourist buses to get around (it is 720 sq km after all). This enabled us to see all the main sights there, but we did have to wrestle (sometimes literally) with the Chinese tourist crowds. The wind was still and the lakes were like mirrors.
The second day we avoided the buses and walked around, though we had to climb past a few "no entry" signs and climb over a few fences! A bit naughty, but it meant we had some stunning scenery to ourselves. We wondered past an old Tibetan temple and up past a gorgeous river. We had a lovely picnic by a picture perfect lake, complete with waterfalls, and had a nice little sleep.
I don't think we'll ever forget this place. One of China's highlights.
Apparently one of the highlights for the Chinese ladies there was seeing such a handsome western man! They've certainly got taste! Several ladies had their pictures taken with me and KC said I should charge.
We've walked quite a bit these couple of days and our legs are tired. Tomorrow we begin a rather gruelling journey to Xian, via Guangyuan.
- comments
Rick Loved seeing the marvellous photos - the scenery looked absolutely breathtaking. What a way to spend your birthday - fantastic. All our love, Rick, Ali, Jordan and Charis
Jordan Glad you are having a nice time. Pictures are great.
Mum & Mike Looked at the slide show, photos are fantastic. Scenery looks breathtaking. You both look to be enjoying yourselves. Wish we were there! Lots of Love Mum & Mike.
Alex + Will Wow u 2, it all sounds brilliant! Don't envy you the flights though! luv al xx Photos great, have you still got the pissed up Pole with you? He seems a really nice bloke. See you back at YPO in the Autumn! All the best, Will.
Dad and Catherine Monday 21st Thanks for the e mail. Once again marvelled at your photos . The 5 coloured lake and waterfalls were breath taking.Hope you are keeping copies or can they be down loaded from this blog? Keep taking the pictures .Just enjoy. love dad and catherine.