I dont think its a coincidence that pronouncing Kunming sounds like hocking up phlegm. Phlegm decorates the filthy streets like little yellow green flowers in a field of debris. I hated Kunming from the minute I got off the train. It was dirty, noisy, smelly and busy, but even more so. The road was the footpath and the footpath was the road and no matter where I stood I was pushed and shoved and beeped at. The touts were aggressive and persistant, grabbing me by the elbow and trying to pull me in the other direction. And some bastard stole my wallet right out of my bag. I tried not to get angry about it. I only carry minumum cash (about $30) in my wallet, and they could have taken my camera, or, gulp, my ipod.
... read more