Good evening from Guilin!
Today began with a small sleep in, following our last night in Longsheng. However, soon enough, we were eating another scrumptious breakfast, consisting of delicious fruit and savoury pancakes. After that, we did a last trek through the picturesque rice fields in the mountains, before once again jumping on a bus to travel back to the lovely city of Guilin. While it was sad to say goodbye to our mountain village, we were also very excited to see what this new city had in store for us.
Shortly after arriving at our destination, we dropped our luggage into our hotel and set off to a tea plantation located nearby. We first donned the traditional framers’ hats, and looked at the tea trees and bushes, before going inside to experience a tea ceremony. While at first some of us were unsure, we all ended up thoroughly enjoying ourselves. The tea master explained to us about the six different types of tea: white, black, yellow, green, Oolong and compressed. The making of the tea ensued. Everyone was taught how to make tea using tea leaves and clay pots, as well as how to correctly hold their cups to drink it. When we learned that it is polite to slurp your drink, the room suddenly became very noisy indeed! The tea itself was delicious, and students and teachers alike purchased tea to bring home. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Proceeding the tea plantation visit, we went to Main Street to have dinner and some free time. Once again, dinner was a hit with everyone, as we devoured both the Chinese and Western cuisine with ease. On the back of the exciting afternoon, we set out around the main streets of the city to have some fun. In small groups we were allowed to roam around the pedestrian mall with its many shops and stalls in the middle of the city of Guilin. From looking in shops and finding bargains, to kicking around the soccer ball, there really was something for everyone.
Today was a delightful day, filled with lots of fun activities. While at first we were quite sad to say goodbye to Longsheng, by the end of the day enough had happened that we definitely did not regret leaving. From fantastic food to super shopping, it has been a day to remember.
By Matt Percival and Liam McLeod.
