Yangshuo Day 8

I managed to sleep well and took my time packing up and moving hostel yet again. It turned out to be third time lucky. A clean room on the 4th floor, with a window and an excellent view. The room was empty when I arrived an all the beds used, so I just left my bag next to a bed and headed off for breakfast at nearby 'Cafe China'.

Thankfully the holiday was now over and the town was much much quieter. It was lovely to be able to walk down the main street as opposed to shuffling! I didn't really have a plan for the day, so I used the internet at the hostel to update the blog. Feeling bored, I went out for a walk and paused by the river. I was approached by a tout (of course). She was not too pushy, so I thought I would play along and see what she was offering and for how much. I figured the holiday was over now, so my bargaining power was increased. She suggested a bicycle tour, but I didn't fancy it with an already sore bottom (from previous cycling!). She suggested electric bikes, but they were very expensive of course and then there was the price for her acting as guide. Eventually I talked her down to a good price and then got her to include lunch! Either she was an excellent actor (entirely possible), or she couldnt believe my cheek. Either was, I was convinced I got a good price, and having nothing else to do, I went. I dont normally like to be a 'tourist', but for once I wanted to be lazy.

She drove, and I just sat on the back. We headed south along the Li River through some of the old villages. She kindly pointed out all the different things growing by the side of the track. Rice, Cumquats, Sesame, Peanuts, Long Beans etc etc. The village was typical of China. A once beautiful little hamlet of decorative little houses, and a temple. Now a decaying ugly place where animals reside in the once houses of the rich. We had a nice lunch of local style vegetables and fried rice and a pot of tea, overlooking the river.

When back in Yangshuo, I found the room full. A giant sized american photographer called Adam, a Danish girl called Ada, two Chilians called Danilo and Paulo, and Elisa, another american. We all went out for dinner. Adam ordered shed loads of food and a huge bottle of coke, though he did cover most of the bill.

We all seemed tired so headed to bed early. Adam snored like a trooper, though I was just hoping he didnt die in his sleep. The snoring at least meant he was alive!!