Banned in the PRC

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Well, OK, we're not banned, or else I wouldn't be typing this. I obviously haven't been trying hard enough. However, Internet cafes do not seem to exist in this part of China, or least we can't find any. It's usually only a single computer in a coffee bar or restaurent. Though the connection seems decent, there is usually a long line of gringos waiting.

We arrived in Kunming two days ago, which is a very modern Chinese city. I had forgotten how difficult it can be to travel in China due to the language barrier. Unlike in Thailand and Cambodia, almost no one speaks in English, which has resulted in some very entertaining conversations. Stevan's mom flew down from Beijing to meet us, and her Chinese is much better, but Stevan's and my 10-15 words of Chinese doesn't get very far.

We have not been to China for 3 years, and many things have changed. For example, there are a lot more ATMs than before, and the country is steadily becoming very high tech and modern. One thing has not changed: the public toilets are still among the grossest we have ever encountered anywhere, though this is supposedly changing in Beijing in preparation for the 2008 Olympics.

This morning we flew to Lijiang, a beautiful old city that is a UNESCO heritage site. The streets of the old city are pedestrian only, and there are many beautiful winding alleyways and shops with Nashi (local ethnic minority) wares. You can easily get lost, and it is a really nice place.

We will try to update you with the fantastic photos that we took at Angkor, which is a wonderful place, as soon as we can. In the meantime, sit tight, and we will update the blog whenever we can.

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