Yahoo-ing in Yangshou

Many travelers I have met highly recommend this small town but it has become a bit touristy in the last year. Luckily, we arrived mid week thus avoiding the large influx of Chinese tourists who descend upon the town for weekend fun. The town does offer great outdoor excursions and we were quick to take advantage with a long bike ride through the outlining villages and a hike into the dense forest. The weather has cooperated with some sunshine but we were caught in a monsoon during our hike...although it was fantastic to be slushing through muddy paths and traversing slippery rocks while trekking through small villages and rice patties. I can't help but be amazed at the simple yet hard life the people in these outlying villages lead. Their poor living conditions give me great pause yet everyone we meet is always smiling.

a quick story.....my claustrophobia got the best of me when I attempted the Water Cave excursion. The entrance to the cave is extremely low, so low that everyone on the small row-boat type craft has to basically lay on the floor so as not to lose our heads. just a few feet in, Jane, who also suffers from claustrophia, lost it and began panicing. I cannot fault her as I too quickly felt uncomfortable as it looked as though the entire cave up ahead was only a few inches high (even though they promised us the cave is immense once you get inside). As the boat man continued to use his large bamboo stick to push the boat, I reached up and grabbed the roof of the cave and pulled the boat backwards until it was once again outside. the boatman was puzzled as to the boat's backwards motion until we explained the situation using out well-honed charade skills. Jane and I got off and let the others continue. As luck would have it, we were told the cave was not that impressive.

Yangshuo allowed us to catch up on some western food (especially breakfast) to help offset the mass quantities of rice, fish and vegatables I have been consuming. The town also offers a wide range of pubs to swap traveling tips, pictures and horror stories with other backpackers. The big thing is to swap email addresses so I continually find my self yelling "yahooooooo" when I give mine to people (ahhh, the power of marketing!).

Not many Americans to be found which is a good thing but makes 'sports talk' a bit difficult. Good thing I am a football fan (that is soccer for you folks back in the states) which always leads to quick cheers among the European travelers I meet.

When I was told that they are hiring native english speaking people to teach english to kids a a summer school in Yanshuo, I nearly took the position. It is a two week gig and pays 4000 RMB (plus free board and internet)....that is around $500 USD. I was leaning towards taking the gig but my fellow travelers told me that I would need those two weeks in SE asia.

I've enjoyed my three days here but I'm happy to be hitting the road again. I have an early morning bus slatted for tomorrow to the tiered rice patties of Longshen.

Hope everyone is good and enjoying life.

L-

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