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  Yangshuo, Guangxi Zhuang, China
Sunday, February 15, 2009

Woke up late after a much needed sleep, and felt top notch, A-1, ready to face the world. The plan was to get myself a bike and head out into the countryside and scenery that has made Yangshuo famous. What a great way to spend a day! Despite the usual Chinese haze, the landscape around here is as spectacular as people make out. When many people think of China, they think of karst towers, paddy fields, farmers etc (as made immortal by the endless water colour paintings that we all know and love). Every China cliche is here in abundance..

Having sorted myself out some tasty wheelz, and negotiated my way through the ridiculous urban traffic (rules essentially come down to 'big is best, small vehicles beware'), I was soon flying through the countryside with the wind in my hair and a smile on my face. Passing mountains, fields, small villages, friendly faces, 'ni haos', buffalo, etc etc, I stopped only to take a photogrpah here or there

Cliffside Village

. Great times, and the first 'I'm really here' moment of the trip so far. Have always found a bicycle a great way to see a new place, and this town is no different. Sat down in a village to have some water, and was approached by an old farmer of the heavily grizzled variety. Despite having no common langauge, he sat down next to me with a smile, and enjoyed his cigarette in comfortable silence while we both enjoyed the view. With a huge smile, hearty pat on the back and some unintelligable Mandarin, he set off on his way and left me feeling very good about life.

Got back into town as the sun went down, with my sweat drenched and muddied look attracting some disapproving stares from the sartorially aware Chinese tourists. Didn't care much... Bumped into Koji and Paul again, so managed to sort out some company for dinner and drinks in the evening. Conversation was of the highest quality, as often tends to be the case when enjoying an evening with people you'll probably never see again. Less to hide I suppose, makes it easier to express genuine opinions. Have also moved into their hostel (leaving Big Bad Bob and his crew to rot).

PS - Can't uplod pics at the moment, as internet is way to slow. Will do so when I find time. Also, for those of you who are interested, will probably be heading to Kunming via Guilin tomorrow.

Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures

Dry season...	You can rent bikes here...	So I did	Haggard gent
Which is better, this one?	Or this one?	A hard life	Bamboo
Riverside	Bridge Reflections

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