Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wǔyí Shān 武夷山
Mount Wuyi.
Last weekend was the NI group trip to Wǔyí Shān, a very popular tourist destination in China. Natural beauty is combined with millions of Chinese tourists and attractions to make a memorable experience. Our 36-person group was met after the overnight train by our local tour guide, or dǎoyóu, and the next 36 hours provided everything to our expectations. And more...
- Noise. Dǎoyóu had a microphone on the bus, providing us with constant updates, tidbits of information, and schedule plans. When off the bus, there was a megaphone to do the same. That man could talk. And who can enjoy any kind of nature without blasting the lastest pop songs on your MP3 player?
- Flags. We had 2 of them to follow where ever we went. Dǎoyóu: "Over here NI" while waving said flag.
- Lines. Climbing the mountain. Maybe 2 steps every 5 minutes. Someone puking into a bag (altitude sickness at 600m?). Umbrellas poking you in the eye. No, it was not raining.
- Bamboo Raft. What trip to a river would be worth anything without a bamboo raft? This one was awesome. Really. The water was clear and cool, and you could put your feet in.
- Farmer food. This is quite possibly the best food you can get in China, and it is only to be found outside of the cities. Our first lunch was wild pork, local mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and firey peppers. And the rice, oh, the rice is GOOOOOD.
- Obligatory visits to the state-run souvenir shops. First they show you how to make tea or snake oil. Then they sell it to you. You better not even think about leaving until someone buys some freaking wulong. Weaving through the souvenir shop at the end of the tour, this is the only time the bus will be late.
- Chinese hotel breakfast. Let's just say I would prefer pancakes. At least there is lunch at the farmer's house.
- Unabashed, heartbreaking, horrible, disgusting waste. At dinner, before getting on the train, of pre-cooked, unidentifiable meats and morsels. This is when you are glad for the ...
- Local Fruit! Those ladies with the carts will come to YOU with their juicy lychees at 20 cents a pound. Load me up!
- Great memories, and a good notion to never do this again, as we roll into the Shanghai Station at 5:45am Monday morning. And we won't. Until next time, that is...
# posted by Laurel @ 2:41 PM 
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