Painted Fans and Sugar Cane Fields

Days have been cold, windy and rainy. The number of western tourists dwindles down everyday. Folks are traveling to the warm beaches of Laos, Thailand and other exotic countries. But, I remain in Yangshuo and loving everyday of it. Farmers markets, ancient villages, off-road muddy motorcycle rides, bamboo boats and smiles everywhere you go keeps me entertained and loving china more and more. New experiences these last few days include eating sugar cane straight from the cane itself, dodging hundreds of Chickens while bicycling through remote villages, riding a ferry made of bamboo across the river being paddled by a petite 60-year-old women, and sampling tea across China during a traditional tea ceremony.

Of course there are always the mishaps of traveling abroad. Like ordering Chicken feet with the claws still attached (which I did try...it tasted like Chicken), seeing dog meat being sold at the farmers markets, and of course chinese toilets, which are holes in the ground. But it's all apart of the experience...the goods and the 'weird'. I find myself in awe at everything I witness making no judgements of how other people in this world live. My life from America is not the norm, but just my own reality. People, I figure, are just living the best way they know how, no matter where they are.

Pictures (upper left: templates of chinese fans. lower right: bamboo raft ferrying across the river with our bikes)

written by

ButterflyWings on January 13, 2010 from Yangshuo, China

from the travel blog: Yangshuo, China

Send a Compliment

Hi Michelle, It is wonderful to see how you embrace the hugely different culture of the Chinese. I haven't travelled any yet but I am learning alot from you about having the right attitude, acceptance, and appreciation...attributes a happy traveler naturally possesses. Stay safe and keep blogging. We love you!!!

written by Carolyn Dorsett on January 14, 2010

Thanks Aunt Carolyn for your endearing words. I am so grateful for having such an amazing family. I miss you all very much.

written by Michelle McRory on January 15, 2010

Hi Michelle,
Your journey sounds perfectly wonderful. Your openess to other cultures I am sure makes your experience amazing. I am so glad your having such a wonderful time:)

Love Mom

written by Donna McRory on January 17, 2010

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