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Published: July 10th 2010
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Promanade
along the Mykong River in Jinghong - beautiful, but empty. I slept in today as I had absolutely nothing I wanted to do before flying to Lijiang at 6:00 PM. Then I had breakfast at Mei Mei (their musli and fruit is better than Mykong) and read for a long time. Then I got restless and decided to investigate the new construction down by the Mykong River. Big mistake in this humidity. I don't perspire gracefully like Chinese women. I sweat like a big, fat man. Lovely.
You know how in most countries, especially in the west, riverside or waterside real estate is so attractive and expensive? You know how in western countries we make this part of the city look nice and provide lots of bars, restaurants, and entertainment along the water? Well, that concept is just starting to take hold in the East. I think in the past they built a bit away from the rivers because of frequent floods. Anyway, Jinghong has built beautiful restaurants, bars, and shops along the river using a traditional style of Chinese architecture. They are really beautiful. And during the day, they are all closed. And most were empty. No furniture. Then I walked around the new apartments and villas built behind
The Mighty Mykong
in Jinghong. There were 2 vans parked in the water and I watched about 6 guys wash them inside and out in the filthy water of the Mykong. all the bars. Also empty. But not one for sale sign to be seen anywhere, but oddly enough, there was a smattering of shops open here and there selling tourist crap. To who, I wonder? There were so few tourists in Jinghong I could count them on two hands during my entire three days there. All this brand new expensive real estate. Empty.
The Mykong doesn't smell bad, but I have to say, it is not a pretty river. It is the colour of chocolate milk, although I think that's just silt and mud, not pollution, at least not this close to the source. But if I were living in Jinghong, I would go to those bars and restaurants, not because of the river, but because they are so beautifully built! Maybe they are open at night, except for the totally empty ones.
It was so hot I gave up on enjoying a walk and went to the hostel and read my book for two hours before catching a taxi to the airport. I arrived in Lijiang around 7:00, took the airport shuttle (15RMB) to the airport shuttle office, caught a taxi by some miracle, and called the
Koy Fish
Feeding frenzy at a local park. They were practically climbing over each other. hostel so they could tell him where to go. The guy from the hostel, Giin, looks about 15 and met me at the taxi and showed me where the hostel is. It is quite easy to get lost in the Old City in Lijiang, or so I was told, so he met me and showed me the way. I am staying at Garden Inn. I have a lovely standard double room (90RMB/night) all to myself and no need for air con. Lijiang is at 2500 meters so it doesn't get that hot here. My room does have a Chinese style squat toilet, but that's okay. I like my room and the bed is the most comfortable I've had in China. Actually, it is one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept on! I had some dumplings at the hostel, and talked to the staff for a while, then went to my room, showered, read for a while, and at midnight I went to sleep, only to be woken up by a dog that would not stop barking! I was so frustrated! Finally the owner let it in the house and it shut up. I am a dog lover, but
Feedin' Time
at the Koy pond the owner should be shot! Doesn't he realize we are in close quarters and everyone nearby can hear the dog? To have a bed that comfortable and not be able to sleep is such a crime.
Oh, Garden Inn has a lovely courtyard with a pool table as well, and free Internet, but free Internet is standard throughout all of China. I've not paid for Internet in a hotel/hostel anywhere in China. The staff is lovely, but the owner is out of town right now.The staff seems well trained though, and with the exception of the dog and a loud American girl who apparently wants everyone in the neighborhood to know her business, this hostel is really quiet.
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