Lijiang River, Yangshuo

The surrounds of Yangshuou are very much similar to Halong Bay, Vietnam, but on land rather than on islands. I'm very much loving Yangshuou... a beautiful holiday retreat in the southern regions of China. There is a lot to do here, including a river cruise that we did today. It was like a bit of de ja vu... for the river cruise was very similar to the one I did on Halong Bay, minus the amazing Seafood lunch we had on that cruise. This tour is definitely proving not to be as good as value for money as the Vietnamese one... just goes to show what an amazing bargain South East Asia is for westerners.

Bridge

Judy, from Stradbroke Island, Queensland is a crack up. She has been very fortunate to have retired in her 50s, and has left her husband in Pattaya to travel through China on her own. They have an amazing understanding, and do most things independent of each other... even when home (they have been married 32 years). Having a previous life in finance, she loves her new found life of being able to travel around the world at a whim's notice. I kind of know what I hope to do in my retirement... very similar to what Judy's doing. Judy was, however, bored within the first 5 minutes of the cruise so we ended up chatting with each other for most of the cruise. I have since found out that everyone else in the group share my feelings about Grandpa... poor old man. But he was ok yesterday... withdrew a little and listening to the advice and guidance of our fantastic leader (I think it's his first tour but he is trying ever so hard).

Cycling through a Village near Yangshuo

After the cruise, AriEdna, Rachel, Judy and I headed for the pub... beer o'clock as Rachel (from Brighton, UK) calls it. Given that we didn't have lunch, it was good to chat away a few hours eating an abundance of deep fried crap and drinking beer. Great way to get to know each other as well. I'm sure this will be the party 4 of the tour group.

After drinks, I had the joy of experiencing an unbelievable light and water theatre show on one of Yangshuou's lakes. I had no expectations of the show, but thought that it would be pretty good given that it cost $US25. The show had thousands and thousands of local and holidaying Chinese so that was a good sign. Given that I love theatre, I was just taken aback by the grandness of the show... I would say up to 1000 actors, doing an abundance of acts on the water that is reminiscient of an opening games of an Olympic Games. I later found out that the director of the show has been hired to direct the Opening Games Ceremony of Beijing 2008. The theme was romantic, with a prince and princess finding each other and geting married (I think that's what it was about)... the music, sound, lights, acts and Chinese flavour was simply awesome. So glad to have experienced it. I did this optional activity with Ari, Rachel, the couple from Canada and Ciao... and all were equally impressed as I was. Definitely a night to remember. Unfortunately, I was in one of the back rows with a pair of binoculars so no really good photos to share with you back home. But think opening game ceremonies... similar but on a smaller scale.

Different angle.

Given that I was so exhausted after the day's events, along with 2 sleepless nights, I collapsed within a few minutes and slept so well last night. Bliss. A fantastic day in Yangshuou.

Giving a helping hand.

Group pic.

Light Show

Local birds

Local environment.

Local guy doing a cooking demonstration.

Me amongst the scenery.

Me on a break from the cycling!

More beautiful scenery

Old Lady in the Yangshuo Area

Rachel getting into the cooking!

Temple in Yangshuo

Yangshuo Bridge