LiJiang

Something I wrote from my third visit to China in 2007. This was a much needed visit as I was going through a lot of stress. I just went through a breakup and my mom was undergoing cancer treatments. I needed some me time. I needed some time away to recoup my energy. Traveling with a group of people and staying in a hotel room by myself was a nice combination of peace and discovery. I met some really great people on this trip that I still talk to today.

Enjoy!

A world away in an internet cafe (in Li Jiang called The House of Tibet)

Some people live in caves and some people live in houses that are falling down, some people work for 8,000 yuan a year and some people plow fields with oxes but happiness abounds. It’s such a wonderful thing. They may have little to no possessions but they have their health and their family, that’s enough to make them happy. It’s such a beautiful thing. I planned this trip long ago not knowing that I would be running from something when I came. But now I feel that I’m not running any more. I think China is a magical place. If you have health and love it’s all you need to be happy.

Did I mention that the funny part of this story begins again with a luggage debacle. Ha! Let’s just say that an elephant somehow found my suitcase and I had to get a new one. Things could be worse 🙂

Beijing was great. I was able to walk the great wall on a clear sunny day. The only problem was the wind. I swore I was going to be lifted off and blown away. We went to some great gardens. One of them overlooked the Forbidden City. We also went to a newly discovered Ming Tomb that has not been opened to the public yet. Did some shopping but not nearly enough to fill my suitcase. Must continue!

I saw a Chinese doctor. That was a great experience. I think that western doctors should take a cue from them. Maybe my new herbs will cure my troubled heart and mind. Oh and the visit to the Shaman to grant my wishes. May my wishes come true. But don’t ask me what they are because I can’t tell you.

Xi’an was neat. The terra cotta soldiers were amazing. It’s the largest tomb in the world. Just a little trivia for you. Went to the Ancient Wall that used to surround the city and the Great Mosque. There is a very large Muslim population. That surprised me.

Li Jiang has been my favorite so far. This is what I came to see. It is so scenic. It’s an old village tucked away in the mountains. It’s so picturesque. They call it the Venice of the east. There are canals everywhere. It’s so neat! There are lots of foot bridges to get to the stores. Went to the Black Dragon Pool and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. I ate yak. Yep, that’s right. I tried it and it was not too bad. Made a wish at the Dongba Aspiration Windbell. Hope all these wishes come true. I even got dressed up in the traditional Naxi costume and walked around town. Man, did I get some looks. It was pretty funny. I must be the whitest Naxi woman they have ever seen. Oh and they told me I was too skinny. I’ve always been thin but I have lost some weight due to stress. I’m trying to fix that.

The night life in Li Jiang is pretty fun too. Lots of dancing with western music. Lots of bars or discos to choose from. We are treated like celebrities. They take pictures of us and buy us drinks. It’s hilarious and oh so much fun! It makes me laugh. Man, does that feel good. I need more laughter in my life.

Some men I know might really like it here. They don’t marry or make formal commitments. The men go to the woman’s house at night and they leave in the morning. This continues until the man doesn’t feel like coming anymore or the woman locks the door. Interesting. Personally I like commitment. Maybe not marriage but a commitment. I guess I like being “the one” in someone’s life. I only wish I could find “the one” for me that wants to stay with me. I like being the “it” couple that makes the world love what we have.

Kunming has been interested. The city is what they call medium, only 6 million or so. The hotel is fantastic! It’s so nice. I think it must be new. The only problem is the hotel is on the outskirts of town so there’s really nothing close by to walk to. Oh well. Sleep is good too. We went to the stone forest today. Karst formations. The rocks were amazing. We also went to a village to see how the locals live. It’s a little scary but also inspiring. They have so little but yet they are so happy. I love that. I wish more Americans could be that way.

Next stop Guilin…then off to Shanghai to fly home. Boo!!