Well, here we are in China... a complete change once again! We've been here just over a week and are still massively adapting to the new culture... language being a major barrier here compared to India. Basically we have no clue what we are doing half the time! We keep getting scammed cos we can't understand anything... surprisingly it doesn't even help much to shout loudly and wave your arms (although thanks for the suggestion Lisa!) Yesterday we got charged 15 quid on top of the actual price of a train ticket... dur, today we got roped into to staying in smelly, damp room up a scabby alleyway, when there are much nicer places just round the corner... we took a chinese tour bus to some rice terraces the other day and it broke down and we all ended up piling onto a public bus anyway (having payed about 30 x the bus price for our provate minibus... we took a boat trip down the Li River
and it dropped us off on the bank of the river in the middle of nowhere with no transport to the nearest village ... we have no idea what we're eating half the time and have probly already consumed vast quantities of cat, dog, rat and lizard meat without knowing it... So far we are falling into just about every tourist trap there is that the lonely planet helpfully advises you against! (click on image for further pictures of China so far)
However, it's all good experience and we remain in good humour! We are currently in a very cute town called Dali over in southwestern Yunan province, all pretty touristy but also very chilled for China! Off to do some serious cycling and/or hiking tomorrow as we are near both lovely lake and lovely mountain! Weather has suddenly turned a bit cold and wet though which has taken us by surprise as we are not used to it any more!
That's all for now... but before I forget here are some of the best Chinglish signs we've seen so far...
In toilets on trains: "no occupation whilst stabilising"
In backpackers cafe toilet: "W.C. NO SHIT"
In current hostel bathroom: "Please do not confuse Landtowel. because floor is very smooth. It's danger!"
Outside Cafe: "cafe for friends making, backpackers and climbers concentrating"
Please translate as you feel appropriate ...
Lots of love Katie and Seb