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Chris's Section Guilin didn't really excite us much. It's a pleasant enough city, but there's not a great deal to do, particularly when it raining. We had a stroll into the town, and although it's quite nice, we found ourselves wanting to return to the hostel quite soon. The Wada Hostel was ok. A little out of the way and quiet, but clean and the staff were really friendly. Decent value for 100 yuan a night (£10).
We then went to get the bus to Yangshuo (15 yuan). A girl from the hostel went with us to the main road to ensure we got the right bus. There are loads of buses that go to Yangshuo, but only one that actually goes to Yangshuo. Confused anyone? Apparently the others stop a mile outside of the town. I'm sure plenty of poor travellers have fallen foul of them in the past. A mile would seem like a marathon lugging a big backpack.
To say Yangshuo is picturesque is an understatement. It's a small town south of Guilin. It's primarily a tourist town and we have seen more westerners in our first afternoon here than in our previous week in
China. The trip over was interesting. The bus weaved all over both sides of the road to overtake as many cars, trucks and buses as it could.
We're staying here for five days. It's a bit like a holiday from travelling. There's plenty to do. We're going to go on a chinese cookery course which we're both excited about. There are tons of walking/bike trails around and of course the famous bamboo rafts down the Li river (the HSBC advert with the cormorant fisherman - that's around here).
We've booked into the Showbiz Inn hostel (it's like sooo showbizzy!!!). Again, 100 yuan (£10) a night. Really nice room with a/c and ensuite. Groovy rooftop bar too - that's where some of the pics were taken. When we got up there we were blown away by the view. I hope the pics will do it justice. Went for a stroll into town and had some fab beef noodles - 15 yuan (1.50). It's raining a bit, but still very warm and humid. Went out for a few beers tonight. The town is full of bars - reminds us of a mediterranean resort a bit. Hopefully we'll get a batter
chance to explore tomorrow.
Anyway, I hope everyone is well. x
Louise's Section It's about 20 degrees but 85%!h(MISSING)umidty. I currently have my burping hiccups so doing Chris's head in. Think I must have got up from my nap too soon.
Guilin was very much as Chris said, met a very friendly Chinese man called Barry who ended up walking with us for half an hour, tried to get us to take a bamboo raft to Yangshuo instead of a bus, then helped Chris buy a new bag and finally to a restaurant. I swear I thought he was going to sit down with us and expect dinner, but luckily he said goodbye and thanked us for letting him practice his english. No doubt he went back to the bag stall to collect a commission for the visit.
Yangshuo looks beautiful, but have warned Chris hiking or a long bike ride may kill me here in this humidity so gonna take things slowly. There are loads and I mean loads of clothing and jewelley stalls here so may treat myself this week, Carlie and Robyn would be a nightmare here!
Looking forward
to a cookery class but you have to go to the farmers market to get your ingredients with the teacher and they usually skin dogs in there so may have to stare at my feet in there or go wild and rescue any that may still be alive.
Booked our tickets to Hong Kong on the hard sleeper, takes 13 hours overnight but cheapest way there. Cost us £25 each. We have to head back on the scary bus back to Guilin to catch the train to Shenzhen then finally a shuttle train to Hong Kong and arrive on the 12th, so Oliver if an offer stands of meeting up we're up for that once we know our location there.
Love to all xx
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Cathy
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Soo jealous
Loving your updates, it sounds like you are having an amazing time :-)