After a blissful sleep, I awoke to a western breakfast of yoghurt, fruit, OJ, egg and toast... I'm glad I had a large breakfast for today would stretch my energy levels and fitness to the limit.
As I write this, I cannot believe we are coming to the end of another month. Time is flying by and I'm amazed to think that I'm a quarter through my trip. Taking three or even six months off work would of been a ridiculous proposition given the enjoyment I am getting out of the freedom of travelling, meeting new people, trying new things and stretching myself to the limit in so many different ways. Whilst hard at times, I'm loving Asia.
Today, I joined a six hour bicycle trip to Moon Hill... one of the most visited sights of Yangshuo. To get there, the group cycled through remote villages on mostly rocky paths. Travelling on bike allowed us to experience the beauty of the region first hand. No better way to travel than on the back of a motor cycle or bicycle. Whilst beautiful, I found being on bike for 6 hours quite difficult... my backside is wearing the after-effects of being on a bike for so long. But very good for the fitness levels, which I think are continually improving on this trip. I put my hat off to the 81 and 74 year old Canadian couple who put the young ones to shame... they have unbelievable bodies and found the trip simple as. Mika said she wanted to cycle for another hour given she was enjoying it so much.
Moon Hill is 850 steps up from the ground... talk about a fitness work-out. As I walked up the hill, I met an amazing Chinese lady... about 50, who fanned me as I walked up the hill. She rewarded me with a can of coke when I got to the top... at a cost of $US2.50. But I didn't mind spending this... she deserved every cent. As we walked up the hill, she talked about her family and life living in her village of 50 people. The village is beautiful with mountain peaks all around. I assume she is extremely poor, for she was very satisfied when I handed her the 20 yuan... the equivalent of $AUD3.
Moon Hill is exactly as it sounds... the shape of a moon carved out of a mountain. An amazing sight, this hill gave us an unbelievable view of the villages below.
It was tough going getting down the hill, for the rocky steps were very slippery. But the trip was made easier with Ariedna teaching me some elementary Spanish... good prep for my travels through Spain and South America later on this year. It's great listening to a native speaker for I can refine my pronounciation. As we walked down the hill, we met a very friendly Chinese family with a 2 year old child who kept us entertained with his blink, friendly smile and cheaky attitude. He was particularly amused when Ariedna slipped a little on the very wet leaves that scattered the path.
For lunch, we prepared our own Chinese food with the help of our local guide. We made many dishes... my dish was onion-based. First you heat the oil in the wok, you add 2 sliced red onions, some salt, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and pre-cooked marinated pork. Simple as and delicious! Several other group members had a go at cooking stir fry dishes with an abundance of fresh vegetables. As I travel through Asia, I'm developing a real love of tomato-based tofu dishes. So healthy, and so easy to prepare! Look at the photos for more ideas.
I was very happy to return back to the centre of Yangshuo after a very exhausting day. But I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the local villages, taking part in a Chinese cooking course, and getting a physical work-out. Yangshuo is probably good for 2 nights... Tomorrow will be another very long travel day to Wuhan for preparation of our 3 day boat trip along the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorge Dam project.
The weather is bad tonight... raining. Bryan (fellow room mate) informs me that all of China is experiencing rain at the moment. Yuck. After the sensational weather of South East Asia, I'm a little worried. Luckily, we escaped the rain on our 6 hour bike trek today.
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