Sat 14/7
Early start today to get a bus to the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces. Headed to a less touristy area called Dazhai (think its too small to show on our destination list, Ping'an is the more touristy area of the rice terraces nearby!) After the 3 hour bus ride we were surrounded by local people, wanting us to go for lunch and hire guides etc. tried to shoo them away but they were very persistent. Went along with one group and got a very nice lunch! Planned to head to our hostel first to drop of our bag (the small one not our big rucksacks, left them in Guilin!) and then trek to the view points. Very confusing following the paths in the village, followed the signs for where we were meant to be and ended up being sent in another direction by a local, paths are very basic and you have no idea if you are heading in the right direction or into a random rice field! Came across a local lady who offered to show us the way for a small fee (we think, no english so all pointing and sign language!lol) It was quite a hike, all steep steps and it was so hot and humid we were drenched in sweat! When we finally got to the top it turned out we were at one of the view points, beautiful but not where we were heading! No wonder it was such a hike! She had another guy translate and ask where we were heading (who knew pointing at the place you want to on a map wasn't clear enough!lol) Thankfully the rest of the way to the hostel (past the cable car which is under construction, looks like we arrived a few months too early!lol) was mainly back down hill! It was late afternoon by the time we got there! Kinda fine the way we did it coz we could shower and relax and enjoy the views for the rest of the evening! And we got there before the rain started! It was nice to watch all the other guests turn up just as hot and sweaty as we did!lol.