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20 July 2009
Good day to you all.
Since last writing I have been up to lots of fun and games. Firstly we took another overnight train. This time we were travelling in luxury, soft sleeper beds!!! All this meant really was rather than 6 to a cabin, there was 4! Oh and we had a door! Wow. We were spoilt! This train was by far the worst train I have ever been on in my life! There was no air con and just some poxy fan in the cabin. People were being dragged out the toilets where they had fainted because of the heat (or perhaps smell). It honestly was just dreadful. The toilet had no water and was blocked with s*** and sick. Bearing in mind this was a squator, I so didn't want my ass anywhere near all this crap! Unfortunatly, being a stupidly long journey, there always comes a time when you have to do the dreaded deed and face your fears and go wee! The smell was dreadful and the toilet paper I had stuffed in my mouth and covering my nose really wasn't blocking out much of the pong! Having thought I had mastered the train squating I was quickly doubted as we turned a corner and I pissed over my ass check and slightly down my leg! But at that moment in time all I cared about was getting out of the smelly disgusting toilet.
At a time something stupid like 4.30am we finally reached our stop so we got off and walked to a hotel where we had 2 rooms booked for a few hours. We all took showers and scrubed away all the grim we had caught from the train. It was a struggle to stay awake but I was just glad to be on still land and in a hotel with a nice clean toilet. We went for breakfast then had to catch a coach to get to the town we were headed. This bus journey was about 3 and half hours long and went pretty quick. One toilet stop was all we had and I took full advantage. One thing I have learnt about in China is that the women are not shy. If there are no doors in front of squats do not be alarmed if the woman next in line will stand right in front of you and watch you take a wee.
Finally we reached Yangshou. This place is amazing. The city is surrounded by mountains and just looks so cool. We had a little wonder then found somewhere to eat. This is a rather touristy place and for the first time we are seeing other western people. We went to a restaurant that sold British food!!! I was so excited! As much as I love the Chinese food I really wanted something different for a change. All week I have been craving a lasagne but I settled for a tuna and cheese melt sandwich with salad and chips. Bloody hell, it was possibly the best meal I have ever had in my life. Every bite was taken with an Mmmmm and with a satisfactory mouth wipe at the end. The afternoon I used to take a wonder around the area and have a look at a few shops. This was the first time I had been shopping since being here. I treated myself to a summer dress which cost me a whole 2 pounds! I couldn't resist! Just really wanted to put a dress on for once!
Then in the evening we went on a small boat trip along the River Li which is famous for being on some of the Chinese bank notes. It was beautiful, although did rain a little.
Today I am absolutly shattered. We went on a 30km bike ride around the countryside. It was amazing. Really hard work but totally gorgeous! Cycling out of the city was a very scary experience though, I actually thought that today could quite possibly be the day I might die. There are bikes, cars, buses, people, etc, etc, EVERYWHERE!! Horns tooting costantly and you don't know who they are tooting at and if you are doing something wrong. Once we finally got out the centre the scenery was to die for. There were lots of rice paddies and mountains and old Chinese crazy women with water buffalows! For the first time I was actually doing some exercise and not feeling too bad! I was enjoying every minute of it. We got to to this mountain called Moon Hill. The top of the mountain has a big O which looks like the Moon (Duh, obviously). We had the option of climbing to the top. Only me and 3 others wanted to do it. We had about 800 steep steps to climb and if I'm honest I still can't believe now I said I wanted to do it. I hate steps and didn't even think I would have the fitness to get to the top. But I struggled on and made it. I was a big sweat bag at the end but the views were to die for. We then climbed on to the top of the O which was rather scary and consited of actually 'climbing' up the rocks. I started sounding like a tenis player as I pulled myself up. I heard my friend Andrew reach the top and just say Wow so I knew I would be in for a treat. And boy was I. Words can't even describe how amazing it was and photos do it no juctice. It was just truely Wow!
After the long trek back down we went for some dinner at a local villagers house. The food was delicious. Then back on the bikes we went. We were headed for a place we could go for a swim. After struggling to get into my bikini with no one seeing (there was no where to hide) I headed towards the water. One step down and woosh I slipped and landed straight on my bottom. Hitting concrete under water hurts like hell! And s***ting hell it hurt like crap! People asked if I was ok and I said I was but really I was wanting my Mummy and think if I had been alone would have had a cry to feel sorry for myself. Now I have a really painfully brused bum, cuts on my hand and a big craze on my arm. These all stang like s*** in the shower. Sympathy will be greatfully received ;-)
Now we are just having a few hours spare before going for tea. I can't believe how close this tour is coming to an end. Tomorrow night we will be heading to Hong Kong and I am so excited! This also means hopefully I will be able to access Facebook again! Woo hoo! How sad am I.
Hope everyones well and dandy! Missing you all and think about you all loads.
Speak soon.
xxx
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