The following day was day trip 2, an early start this time as we were headed out to the City of Hangzhou, wrapped around Lake Xi Hu, a place where no lesser person that Marco Polo commented “A voyage on this lake offers more refreshment and pleasure than any other experience on Earth”, some accolade even on the understanding that he said it before a night on the Guinness was possible. Unfortunately for us, and in keeping with the weather so far this trip, it tipped down for most of the day. The rain, the low cloud and the mist denied us the chance to truly understand why this is one of the most popular destinations in China. Weather apart, we hopped on a bus (10p) and went to visit our first monastery, and yes Matthew
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