Tues 26 / 10

---

Tues 26 / 10 Kumming to Dali

Again our itinerary indicated a very busy day with and early flight to the former capital of this Yunnan province followed by a full day sightseeing for the1 night stay in Dali

It was a slow start at the 5:00 am wake-up call before a final shuffling of luggage and into the bus at 05:45 with a breakfast box for the airport.

Check in was delayed due to errors in passport numbers of one of the group resulting in a busy time for tour guide Jackie's skills. Some confusion as an unknown number of our group proceeded through security and onto the tarmac bus for the plane at a remote standing area and others searched the terminal for potential stragglers

All eventually re-united for a the short 30 min 07:30 departure from Kumming to Dali

Met at Dali by tour guide Marina, bus driver Mr Chin with comfortable 30 seat bus

Briefing from tour guide indicated that with only the one day in Dali we will need to move quick to best see as much as possible

And quickly we:
- Traveled through the city being advised of the extensive wind turbines (seen on the distant hills), solar and hydro power supply to this area of 6 million
- Stopped at the base station of the Gangshan mountain Ganton Ropeway (cable car) and a brisk stride up numerous steps to board the car up
- Enjoyed a leisurely 25 min ride over the mountain tops with impressive views over the valley and back to Dali town
- Equally relaxing 40 min sightseeing of Zhenlong's Chess game and Qingbi Stream before re-boarding the cable car down
- Bused onto the Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagada Tourist Area (adding the use of a mini bus to climb the hill and return rather than walking) including Shadow collection (read reflective) Pond
- Drove past enormous tracts of vegetable farming land

A relaxing lunch presented some Dali differences and the it was onto join our 14:10 boat departure on Lake Erhai

The 3 hr 40 min boat tour in a 'private room' took us to a walk on the island to view of the Godess of Mercy and Yunnan Mascot Square before a 3 Teas and Folkshow

Following our landing it was a quick drive to the old Dali town area for a pleasant 2 hr walk with shopping along the narrow roadways; stopping at a Catholic Church and culminating in a shopping spree at a silver market

Dinner was at the local University enroute the the hotel.

Arrived back to the hotel and checked in at 21:00 before catching up on a bit of re-packing and re-organistion of purchases and photos

NDC 26/10

---