The beautiful Zoo!

---

We got up at a very early hour - midday, and strolled in the heat to a lovely park. We had a makeshift picnic there (Chinese supermarkets don’t really cater for cucumber sandwiches and pork pies) and lounged around in our own sweat. It was approximately 1000% humidity. We stumbled across a zoo, randomly located inside the park.

The animals were kept in appalling conditions (except for the giant panda who enjoyed the penthouse of cages). The first thing we saw was a tiger, kept in a 10 meter cage. You could get a photo taken with you sitting on it for 1 pound. When we left the cage was open. We walked away fast. We saw lots of monkeys and they were really clever, they were sticking their hands out of the cage to catch nuts that people were throwing to them. Cute! One kept coming to the side of the cage to ‘talk’ to us. We believe he was saying “get me out of this hell hole!”. We also saw a little black bear kept in a cage that was smaller than dog kennels. He looked so sad and so bored. He kept pacing up and down his cell. It made me sad. Other animals on display were many peacocks, a camel, porcupines, black swans and snakes. They were loving their cells.

Paul - After the “zoo” we climbed to the top of one of the limestone peaks for fantastic views of the city and the bizarre peaks that surround it. By this time Laura and me were pretty sweaty so we decided to go get showers before going out for the evening. Ate in a place called “Good Aunt”. Very nice indeed, basically went around and pointed what dishes you wanted from a huge selection and they cooked it in front of you. One of our dishes was unbelievably spicy though, went through a litre of water just to eat half of it. We are apparently in one of the spiciest regions in China.

So sat in the hostel now writing this, playing cards, drinking beer and listening to White Stripes that we have found on the internet. Competing with some French guys who are playing “Rammestein” really loud. I don’t completely hate Rammestein but Laura does (oh my god it is sooooooooooo bad, - Laura). So White Stripes full blast. Oh well. Its half 11 and still so humid we are sweating buckets inside. So shower time I feel.

Laura - By the way, I have been bitten so many times that it looks like I have the plague. I counted 50 bites today on my legs and feet. 50!!! But at least they don’t itch now - thanks to Angela and her magic bite zapper thing. Thanks angela!

By the way really enjoying everyone’s comments and messages. We do get them just can’t reply!!

---

Photos

Safety First!!!
yes that is a tiger. and yes the cage is open

Comments

[Mum]

Just passing time
Those gorges you travelled through looked fantastic and the pandas are soooo cute - I will be showing them to all at work tomorrow. Everyone keeps asking how you are getting on and I of course enthuse about the travelblog - even got the head reading it now. We are all really envious and want to come and join you. It is not at all muggy here in fact quite cool and it has rained and rained and rained. Well look forward to going to Cardiff at the weekend - Up the Mariners - lots of love Mum

[Cousin Catherine]

Fab piccies
The photos are fab, it's like we're travelling with you (without the smelly, sweaty train travel, nice!). Loved the elephant river and pandas. Newsround comments made me smile. They always had a panda breeding update. Nothing but rain here. BB fever has started again. Love the commentary of your adventures, the only exciting thing that happens on my computer at work. Take care and keep having fun! Love Catherine x