Howsit my China!?

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Took the bus through the Northern Vietnamese mountains into China. Sitting next to this Norwegian chap by the name of Christian, he informs me that if I go into Hong Kong(which I was doing 2 days later I would need a whole new Chinese visa to get back in) I say "oh that's rather annoying" I did manage to stick about 5 swear words in between those 4 words. The reason being that China charges US citizens double that of any other country. So it ended up costing me over $200 for my two visa's. oh well, next time I shall know. Spent the first night in Nanning, I was really blown away by the 1sr worldness of the freeways(which are wider than they are in the states) and how much building was taking place everywhere. Then went to HK to meet Ryan for 5 days and then came back into China with him 2 days ago. We took the bus from Gaunhzou(ancient Canton). It was a night bus. It was the worst bus ride I have ever experienced. I ended up laying on the dirty bus floor with my head continually bouncing into the chair in front of me. Got to Yanhzou(can't spell these names) and found a place to stay. The guy who runs the place is a first rate arsehole, he won't even give us the remote to turn the heating on and we found out later that he over charged us. And hence Ryan and I shall be doing some electrical work as well as plumbing on our room before we leave, free of charge!
This tiny town in China(pop 300,000) is smack bang in the middle of some of the most beautiful countryside that I have ever seen. Ryan and I hired scooters, mine broke down in the middle of nowhere) and we cruised around the area. Went to Moon Hill and met a lovely lady that is going to be taking us on a 6 hour tour of the small villages tomorrow. Everywhere you look around here are these amazing small mountains jutting out of the ground which are filled with caves and waterfalls.
Took a boat ride down the Lilung river yesterday, pretty pretty cold and noisy. But nice scenery.
Lobby and me have taking a liking to this noodle place across the street. Gees it is amazing. They give you these soft soft noodles, and then you can help yourself to chili, spring onions, and 4 other things which probably don't have a name in English too. And then you top it off with these boiling brothy water. So nice, it warms you right up.
We walked through this night market the other night and came upon some disturbing sights that I shall refrain from mentioning for my own dear mothers mental well being (i can tell you that there were no dogs, I promise)
They do have fantastic fruit around here and I had this brilliant hot spinach and cheese filled pastry goodness today. Oh and as you can see from the pics we have invested in beanies, gloves, scarves and the likes. I really do not know how we are going to survive in bloomin London!
Learned how to say rice, see you and beef today in Mandarin.

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Photos

China/Vietnam Border
My left foot is in China.

Our BS scooters
How amazing is this place?!

Nice Crash Helmet
Might as well be wearing some tupperwear.

I am still such an idiot
Such a pain in the ass carting this stuff around!

Lobby waiting in line
to get into China.

3 Yuan
Such fantastic noodles.

Odd Toilet
Nonetheless a very enjoyable wizz!

Houses
On a very old street near the river.

Mountains and stuff
It is bloody cold here.

Countryside
This is what all the county side around here looks like.

Chicken Feet
Just hanging up in a supermarket!

Moon Hill
Amazing views, unreal.

Asian Babies are Cute
So funny watching them to learn to use chop sticks.

Lobbits doing his thing
I let him go before me, he was in bad shape after being on the boat for so long.

Comments

[Brother]

Fo'China
China looks amazing boet, I'm jealous you get to do all this stuff before me..

[me.]

You and Ryan look good side by side. He is one lucky man.

[Lauren]

AHHHHHHHHH
I am so jealous. How are you capable of looking good with a red scarf around your head? Only you lloyd...What's your favorite place to date in china?