‘Sup from Longsheng!
Yesterday morning we were sad to depart Dali but we’re looking forward to the adventures awaiting us in Guilin and Longsheng. The long bus ride was oozing fun and laughter as always, losing at games of Uno and singing along to 80s classics on Paris’ iPod. However, the group was thoroughly forlorn to say goodbye to our new friend Norman. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting Norman, he is has been our favourite tour guide during our Big Experience so far. Something that is no mean feat, that’s for sure!
Following our bus ride of mixed emotions, we flew from Kunming to the mountainous city of Guilin. Our first impressions were of awe at the spectacular mountains that rose up literally out of the ground throughout the centre of the city, lit up by the surrounding lights of all colours, and the stark contrast between them and the modern architecture of city buildings with their flashing neon lights that surrounded then. But after a lovely traditional Chinese dinner, we were too exhausted to explore too much, taking a quick walk around the central lake, with its massive pagodas, before quickly retiring to our quarters after the long day.
The next morning, after a sleep in, we woke up refuelled and ready for another day of non-stop action. After a rushed breakfast (consisting mostly of oranges!) we packed our back packs with clothes for the next two days and set off for another long bus ride up to the tiered rice farming village of Ping An in the mountainous Longsheng region. The bus trip took roughly two hours, plus a 40 minute shuttle ride characterised by the sharp hairpin corners. After that hair raising experience we climbed up for another 20 minutes to our accommodation for the next two nights: a beautiful wooden hostel with plenty of character and breath-taking views. It is a truly spectacular village that must be seen to be believed (the photos don’t do it justice!). Although it is a long way to the top, it was definitely worth it because of the views.
Shortly after arriving we explored the village for ourselves in groups of four and were able to observe the daily lives of working class Chinese families. On our adventures, we saw many animals and even a local primary school boasting a basketball court and a single classroom consisting of five desks. This afternoon, we embarked on a short trek through the surrounding rice plantations and were able to see the ‘dragon’s back’, which is the source of a popular myth that explains the odd shape of the terraces. This trek was considered a warm-up for tomorrow’s ominous four-and-a-half hour hike scheduled for tomorrow, which includes scaling a massive mountain of rice fields and walking along it’s ridge. A fun filled day awaits!
Tonight, in preparation for the tiring day tomorrow, we were able to find our own dinner in hope that we would be able to fill our bellies with nutritious delights and get back to our rooms for an early night. But our group, consisting of us, Paris and Jamie, Simon Rodgers and Inga had a little bit of an issue with our food and ended up waiting two and a half hours for a cheese pizza which, with an unfortunate trip, then ended up all over the floor. Let’s just say we were all VERY hungry as we awaited our replacement, and might we just add anything tastes good after waiting two and a half hours!
So far, so good as we have surpassed the halfway mark on our Big Experience and are soaking up every last memory of it. We all feel so privileged to have been given these opportunities some of which we will never be able to experience again. The friendships forged here will stand strong against the brutal test of time, and our memories will last forever. Until next time, ‘sup from Paris Wilkinson and Jamie Philander!
By Paris Wilkinson and Jamie Philander.