Thinking back to being in Yangshuo I am filled with warm and happy feelings of a tropical paradise, when the Chinese actaully smiled and spitting was kept to a minimum. And then I remember the bike ride along the Yulong River.... or as it has been more aptly named The how-long River! Jon assured me that we were going to do a gentle cycle ride and the views would be beautiful so I would love it. Now, give him his due.... the views were amazing. Karst Mountains surrounding us.... wild animals wondering down the quiet lanes.... water buffalo's roaming in the fields.... it was like paradise. Except that it was bout 30 degrees, the "roads" were unmade mud paths, so bumpy it made my bum hurt and every time I stop to admire the view (obviously I was secretly resting) Jon would roll his eyes and then promptly assure me that we were "nearly there." Nearly there being our half way point of Dragon Bridge. After many wrong turns and the aid of a lovely chinese lady who was cycling alongside us we made it to the bridge. The relief was amazing and as I dipped my feet into the crystal cool water of the River I agreed that this part of the trip had indeed been worth it.

We were goaded into getting on a bamboo boat, bikes and all to take us an hour doen the River. We knew we were being ripped off but very cleverly gave the woman out fake 50 note and settled on to the boat, eyes closed, legs finally rested, soaking up the sun (Jon was taking pictures of the view!) But alas out flan was ruined in less than 10 minutes, as the woman came running down the bank saying "no..no.." We feigned ignorance but to no avail. The man very "kindly" took us back to where we had got on the boat. so I was a further 10 minutes (20 the way I cycle!) back up the River! We took the main road home, stopping for water on the way. Whilst the views were not as pretty, the downhill slope at the end more than made up for it!

As I was writing this, I had a memory of Jon being in an internet cafe and telling me that he had written the blog.... oops... I think I just repeated what he said! Perhaps we could have a competition and you could message which entry you liked best?!

Anyway, the rest of Yangshuo really wasn't a tropical paradise as it rained for out last 3 days there. However, we huddle around the fire and braved the rain a few times to pick up some fake ralph lauren jumpers to keep us warm. Booked a bargin ticket on a sleeper bus to Guangzhou and that's where our next blog is from.......