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Published: October 1st 2008
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Apetizer
Anonymous biting the head off the wasp My roommates and I took turns to have showers, but being up at 5:30 didn’t give us much time to soak ourselves. I got out of the shower in time to see a roommate putting on makeup (dear God). We had a lousy breakfast. Everyone seemed to be eating a plentiful of eggs, and I swear I saw eggs disappearing into people’s pockets. Without drying my hair I plunged myself into the icy cold of the Guizhou morning. The same buses were waiting, never had the hot fume been so welcoming.
The sun rose as we drove deeper into mountains, and further away from civilization. It was midday when we got ditched at a dingy side-road restaurant where we cherished our last lunch on a table. We were through with quite the usual ‘traditional’ food (which I found quite nauseating) when a plate of burnt crispy leaves was brought to the turntable. A second look told me they were wasps; their bodies were all shriveled up and soaked with oil. I recoiled instantaneously, a few girls squealed. No one dared to touch it, let alone eat it. But the record had to be broken by someone (anonymous). Then before I
Flat Wide Track
Initially we thought this was what we were going to walk o for the whole day knew it, all the boys started eating them (except for Mr. Name-withdrawn who was mysteriously allergic to bees).
After that appetizing lunch, we began the hike in groups (the part we’ve been dreading ever since the itinerary was out). At first, the flat wide track was too easy that everyone was celebrating. However, soon the 5 groups got stretched out so it was impossible to keep up. I was luckily in the first group because I got the most rests to catch my breath back while waiting for other groups. I didn't know when the track got so steep. It was as if we were tilted 90 degrees, with only gravity keeping us on the uneven rocks. Hiking boots did not prevent any falls, for everyone seemed to be on their butts all the time.
The mountain top had disappeared in the blearing sunlight. If it wasn’t for my 15 kg bag, I would be enjoying the nature and its leaves falling over my shoulder. If going up was torturous it was nothing compared to going down. A little mis-balance would have sent not only me but the person in front and behind tumbling down the mountain. I
The mountains
The mountains we had to climb. grabbed gingerly on to the pack of the person ahead as I took cautious side steps down the mountain. Water bottles kept rolling down like a mudslide, but they got passed back to their owners eventually. Thank god I was sweating, or else I would have been to the toilet at least a dozen times due to all the water I’ve drained.
At sunset we finally landed on flat land (still plentiful of rocks). Dead tree branches that were sturdy enough were used as walking sticks. Boys tried to impress girls by carrying extra water or sleeping mats. Many girls started feigning sick to get help. Gross. Then the narrow track opened up suddenly to a jade-colored lake nested in the autumn colors. I knew then we were saved.
Everyone literally threw themselves down onto the river bank which was full of protruding sticks. With the last energy we could muster we set up the tents. I got pissed because of my tent partner didn’t help. Mr. Name-withdrawn and his faithful follower disturbed the still mirror-like lake by bathing in it. Everyone knew they were out of minds, that’s why we all gathered around watching them drowning. When
Going down
Everyone managed a smile they got out, we all clapped like it was some kind of a show.
As for dinner, it unfortunately had to be cooked. The boys immediately shifted their glances towards the girls, what sexists! As a result of great acting, the teachers and guides soon got the gist that none of us had any energy left to churn gruel for 40 people. By the time the dinner was cooked the only light source was flashlights. Dinner comprised of pasta, some meat and vegetable. It was full of carbs and replenished our energy. Partly for the benefit of the 2 ‘brave’ swimmers, we also made a campfire. Everyone seemed to have been revived after dinner, and cooked s’mores against the fire.
Just as the day reached its climax, we had to be told that there were no toilets. Chinaclimb staff had dug 2 holes dedicated to the boys and girls respectfully. Everyone managed to cope with that at the end, although the initial response was.... well some girls (the kind that brought nail polish) were on the verge of tears. Lena and I merely raised our eyebrows at them. I’ve been trying to distinguish myself from them so badly;
The lake
Beautiful, such a relief to have arrived at the campsite the only thing that even comes to close to comparison was my bandanna. To be honest, I like the nature better than some never-cleaned squatting toilet. I inspected the toilet, it was just a hole draped with a sheet. There was no flush (obviously) and the hole was very shallow. Now all those weepy girls wanted to do was to go to the toilet first.
Curfew was at 10. Everyone settled into their tents quickly. I had trouble sleeping once again, this time because Lena, Div and I were squashed in a 2 people tent. The sleeping bag was like a sauna, I was sweating the whole damn night, but without the sleeping bag it was too cold, I spend the whole time contemplating. On top of that it was even less soundproof than the previous night, I could hear every laugh, every sniff, every turn and every snore.
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