Streetscape in China bursts at the seams with people standing in line for one reason or another. Sometimes we just park ourselves by a food stand not knowing what's waiting for us at the counter...anticipation growing with every turn...people packed so tightly the line resembles a mob ready to descend and grab whatever's on offer. (Hello childhood flashbacks from communist Poland of the 80's! Although, contrary to Chinese supermarkets today, our store shelves were mostly empty back then, lined with nothing but vinegar.)
Spectacle of madness unfolds at makeshift restaurants, food stands, bus stations, and is particularly colorful at train stations. Since ticket holders are only allowed on designated platforms minutes before departure, hundreds of people in the waiting room simultaneously make a dash for the entry gate the moment boarding is announced. And then it's time for a mad sprint to the assigned carriage. Somehow, attacks of hysterical laughter knock the air out of me in those most inappropriate of moments...as I'm carried by the mob, stumbling over, stepping on toes, with shins under attack from oversize baggage of fellow passengers and desperately grabbing Sebastian's jacket, backpack, hand, whatever.
Heading for Kunming, after yet another adrenaline spiked boarding, we happily fell onto our cots only to realize relief was short lived. Unable to secure two bunks in one compartment when making our reservation, we had to settle on what was available - I triple folded on my top bunk (sometimes they come with extra headroom for luggage, but no such luck this time) and Sebastian resigned himself to a miserable night with a PA speaker right over his head. Good morning 5 am propaganda tunes!
I guess those possessed sounds were to blame for our clogged brains as we were settling in a cab upon arrival. We've nonchalantly dumped our backpacks in the trunk, and later had to pay the driver more than initially agreed upon just to retrieve the luggage. You live, you learn. Yeah, right.
Ironically, short walk from where the con driver dropped us off, a young policeman gladly helped us find a hostel. Enthusiastically practicing his English all the way there, he lead us to the very doorstep and, single handily, restored our faith in humanity. On the same note, Cloudland hostel proved to be a little piece of heaven with super clean rooms, comfortable beds, helpful staff, wonderful lounge and delicious food. Oh yes, we abused all those privileges like there was no tomorrow. Technically, there really was no tomorrow - we were bound for Yuangyang the next morning.
Yunnan specialty - mapo tofu.
Sebastian wasn't so keen on it, but I licked the bowl.
Kunming's Bird and Flower Market.
Colored pet chicks - disturbing, to say the least.
Yuangyang
Finally.
Town of Yuangyang is beautifully set atop rice terraces.
We wondered about endlessly, undisturbed.
Magnificent solitude - worth its weight in gold in China.
Women of Yi minority at the local market.
dragon fruit everyday! I've missed this taste A LOT
nice treat to see bamboo this tall
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