Mon 21st

On the back of a 20 Yaun note you'll see a picture of karst mountians along a river. The river is the River Li.

We left Guilin, with full backpacks and a Yangshuo map in hand, for our River Li Cruise. We asked the guy on reception to bring us to the correct bus stop - which he did, along with four Americans from North Carolina ... three girls - one blonde, one short dark hair, one with Indian/Asian heritage and the guy with them was American-Chinese who spoke Manderin - handy.

Whilst clambering on to the bus that eventually turned up, Frank received a jab in the ribs - Dan and Louise where on the bus!!! Big hugs and smiles, it seemed soo long since we saw them (so much had happened).

This tour was one of the most, if not THE most stressful and poorly organised tours we've ever been on! Our Chinese guide - who's name escapes us - kept repeating everything. Or rather, some bits of information. Like "12:20. 12:20. 12:20. We will arrive at 12:20."

(Something about the boats, 4 people only, electric cars, 12:20 and 3 bus stations, correct bus station).

"Do you have WeChat?" - a Chinese social media app - "I will give you a pad ner with WeChat. You need WeChat to arrive at correct bus station."

This went on for another 6 minutes, then..

"2:30pm. 2:30. 2:30. If you not have a pad ner (partner) for WeChat (to find the bus station) 90% you will fail."

Thankfully the American was able to fill us in on the instructions she gave in more detail in Chinese. (Don't complain about the sun was one of them!) We paired up with Dan and Lou, they double checked their 'mapsme' app with the reluctant guide and asked to be with us. She (our guide) wasn't convinced,

"No WeChat, 90% you will fail. Remember 12:20 arrive. 2:30 we leave."

('Is there a test at the end of this or something?!?')

So fuelled with expectant failure we went on the River Li cruise.

Hussled out of the bus, unsure whether to bring our big bags with us (visions of one slip and we drown/bags float away filled our heads). Queued for tickets (guide spoke with loud speaker right into my face!), clambered on the "bamboo" raft. Not so much a quaint wooden raft with an old man and a stick. More a mass produced, blue, motorised raft, steered by a young lad. And hundreds of them too. Oh well, Chinese tourism for you, there were four seats and life jackets at least.

The cruise itself was stunning. A beautiful journey with turquoise waters, sky piercing, awe inspiring limestone karsts wrapped up in green vegetation and clear fresh air. Despite the many other boats, you could picture what this river was like back in time. So peaceful and beautiful. Truely, utterly breathtaking.

Back on shore we headed up to wait for the next stage - the electric cars - found other tour members there too. Down the road, the buggy stopped. As instructed we all jumped off and found we were out of town! Mild panic. Our bags are on the bus and we had 45 minutes to get back to it before they left.

("2:30. 2:30. 2:30!" echoing in our ears)

 With help and calming influence of Dan and Lou (and 'mapsme') we walked over a little bridge, straight into Xingping town. We had later found out we'd actually been dropped off in the correct place - a photo opportunity to match up with the ¥20 note. Oh buggar, missed it. Not that we were told that piece of information mind you. Hence the mild panic. However thanks to Dan, we found our bus and were the first to find it!

90% fail eh? Ha.

Had ice lolly to celebrate/cool off before boarding the bus.