Dali Gucheng- Xiaguan - Dali Gucheng

I love to take a walk in the morning. Cangshan got it's own character. It looks different at different time of the day. It keeps on changing its mood.



The morning scene is also interesting. This place is bustling with life.



After roaming the place for a few days, I need a change and decided to find my way to Xiaguang. I learnt that I can take bus no. 8 from Gucheng and the bus fare is only Y1.5.


On board the bus, I checked the map and decided to stop at Xiaguan's Railway Station.


I find my way to the market, had my lunch at a restaurant and walked all the way to Erhai Lake and Park.


I would say, the place is very scenic. I spend hours roaming around, trying my best to digitize the place and bring home some memories.


Outside the viewing pavilion called "Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon", I found some hawkers hawking interesting food. I can't help but took some photos.


Back in Ancient City of Dali (Gucheng), everything looks so familar again.


I love to watch Dali clouds at the night. Sometimes, it looks so mysterious and so enchanting.

Visit to the market

See what I found in the market.



























After visiting the market place, we went to a small shop to have our facial. At the price of Y20, I cannot complain.












My cousin seems so pleased to be able to recommend me for the money-for-value facial and she said she enjoys living here as the cost of living is low.

Before long, it's dinner time and we head to Cafe de Jack for our dinner. We had fried rice and vegetable soup for two. Ah! I'm beginning to love this place. I remember having my American Breakfast (toast / eggs / hash brown & coffee @ Y13) here in the morning.




AFter dinner, we took a walk and enjoy Dali Gucheng by night. It looks so oriental.

Dali - Gucheng

The next day, I rise early and left the church just before 8 am. I went to look at some guest houses and went in search of Cafe de Jack as I was told that Father Larry likes the place.


I take a leisurely walk and check out the guest houses around Dali. The morning scene is refreshing.

By late morning, I found Cafe de Jack and went for my brunch. This is my favorite haunt when I was there. It was a cozy place and the staff were super friendly.

I ordered ginger tea (Y5) and french toast(Y8). While waiting for my breakfast, I log in to the net and check out some mails at Y5 per hr. The staff were busy cleaning up the mess left over by the merry makers last night.

I spoke to one of the staff and before long, we introduced ourselves and I learnt a bit about the place. Her name is also Jane. She said it was given to her by one of the guests as Chinese name is too much for him to remember. Her Chinese name is Yang Peng. She also told me that they are in the process of converting the upstairs area into a garden place for guests to relax. June is off-peak season so they do it now in preparation for the crowd in July and August which is their peak season.

She went about her work and when she is free, she came to chat again. This time she drew a picture of the Bai Chu or is it Naxi Chu? See sketch above. She said I can still see them in their traditional costume in Dali or Lijiang. They wore a towel round their head, wearing a blue costume . Her sketch is cute right?

I spend hours at the cafe, relaxing and reading there. Then I started to go around and check out Gucheng and some of their guest houses.

By noon, I met up with my cousin and she brought me to dye my hair at a local saloon at Y40. My cousin was contemplating whether or not to dye her hair. She finally gave in. It was quite well done and I quite like the color. I'm quite pleased with the deal.

We went to Sister Cafe and had Japanese cuisine (sabu-sabu) for dinner. Then we went shopping and playing with the idea of importing some stuff to Singapore for online sales, perhaps.


We also went to visit her friend, also named Jane who is the owner of one of the travel agencies in Dali. I took a 6D5N Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-la package for Y1,000. Actually, I think it's easier to travel on my own as I understand that it is very easy to find accomodation in Lijiang. Somehow, I think my cousin will feel better if I join a tour group. I decided to go for it.

We take a walk around Gucheng before calling it a day.

Dali - Tianlongbabu Movie and TV City

We decided on Western Breakfast at Dali Gucheng (Ancient City)and on our way there, we met our 2 inhouse cooks carrying a big basket on their back. They are on their way to do their marketing. Hm .. reminds me of backpackers with their backpack.





After breakfast, we proceed to Tianlongbabu Movie and Television City. This is the location shooting site for the famous Chinese Drama Serial, Tian Long Ba Bu (Chronicles of the Heavenly Dragon) by Jin Yong.











Looking at the programe of the day on the big board, we realised that we had missed some event and in any case, we will not be able to follow through as we plan to go swimming in the afternoon.











I tried the magic basin. "Your hand must be clean" the lady said, "wash it with soap, then rub against the handles of the basin and you can see the water jumping up"

I tried, after a while, it works. I noticed the little girl watching. She must be wondering what I am doing.



We visited some of the location shooting sites. Ah! this is the bridal chamber. The word, "Xi" which means double happiness is symbolic sign for many chinese wedding.



We went to the studio and decided to be the "stars" of the day too. We dressed in the ancient costumes provided by the studio and sit on the prop and just act according to instruction given or rather act "silly" **haha** And lo and behold, we ended up with a VCD of our own as prelude to the actual VCD on this place. (It's so funny!)

We watched a short skit on the predictable old chinese story. Aiya! you know lah! The princess throwing the silk ball from the verandah and the man who catches it, get to marry her. Aiyoh! old story liao! I do wish they have a more refreshing version.

The next item is the Lion Dance. Hm .. they are good!


In the afternoon, we got a lift to Xiaguang. We plan to go to a villa for swimming. I understand that the water is from the hot spring. Enroute, Father Tao brought us to see an ancient stone. Till now, I don't know its signifance.














But I do remember seeing a group of lady dancing with their pink fans and I also saw a beautiful red roses. Or is it Camellia?
















Our next destination is the villa for our swim with water from the hot spring. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a costume that fits me, so I spend my time in the spa doing reflexology, while kakis swam happily away.















After our spa, we took a bus to the railway station and started looking for a restaurant that serves good herbal pot soup. After much difficulty, we managed to find that particular stall.








Yummy, yummy! We got a good dinner (Y97) with a good bottle of red wine (Y45) and the 5 of us have fun singing our heart out as well. Ha! must be the wine.

We returned to Dali Gucheng (Ancient Town) by cab.

Dali - Cangshan

They are bringing Andrew to Cangshan Mt today and I get to tag along. **Heehee** My good host packed some fruits and tidbits to munch at the mountain top.

Two of us took the gondola up to the mountain, while the other 2 went up on horseback.

The 20 min ride (Y50) is smooth and pleasant. Looking at the top of the various species of pine trees bring a sense of calmness and the stillness invoke a certain kind of peacefulness inside me.

Cangshan Mt is the main peak of Yunling Mt southward. It stretches from Dengchuan, Eryuan in the North, stopped at Erhe River in the South, Erhai Sea to the East and the river valley of Heihui River to the West. There are 19 peaks in this mountain range.

We had our lunch at Highland Inn and then proceed for a short trek and be with nature for a while.



The gondola ride down is more holistic as I get to see the panoramic view of Dali, apart from the top of the varous pine trees.









By the time we get back, it is dinner time and we went for Pizza and Steak at Pizzeria, on the upper end of westerner or foreigner street. The plate of fruit is so elaborately decorated that we felt it is a pity to eat and destroy this beautiful creation.

My cough is not getting better. There's so much phlegm inside. It's quite embarassing to cough so much esp when there are people around. I tried to controlmy coughing but it only get worse. The Strong Bi Ba Gou I bought yesterday only temporarily ease the discomfort. **sigh** Despite this, I truly enjoy myself.

Dali - Fishing Cormorants - San Dao Char

This morning, I attended the 2 hr talk on "life value" by speaker, Andrew from Hong Kong.

For lunch,I joined the students and staff and had a simple but healthy meal,inhouse - veggies with eggs, green veggies, soup and keropok.



After that we get ready to go to see the much-talked about Fishing Cormorants at a remote part of the lake (I think this is also part of Erhai Lake)




I watched as the owner skillfully placed a ring round the neck of all the hunting birds that are trained to catch fish for him. The ring is in place to prevent the bird from swallowing the fish. Once the bird caught the fish, it will swim back to the owner and he will get the bird to throw the catch into a basin. To some, this is a cruel form of fishing but watching the relationship between the birds and the owner, I don't think he is being cruel.


That evening,we have a feast, compliment from Andrew who insist on playing host. Thanks to him,too, I get to tag along. *haha! lucky me!"


After dinner, a few of us went for a cup of tea. We tried the famous 3-course tea (San Dao Char) in Dali at the Cultural Centre. This is the traditional Bai's (a minority group) way of drinking tea. The 1st cup is bitter, the 2nd cup mixed with walnut, rushan and brown sugar is sweet and the 3rd cup mixed with wild pepper, slices of ginger and cinnamon powder had an recurring after-taste (symbolising reminisce). Intersting hor! There's a lot to learn from the Chinese. Ah! this is where i came from right?

SIN-KMG-DALI

I took TG via BKK and met up with my cousin at the waiting bay.

Onboard, seated next to me, is an elderly Australian. He is heading to Nanning to meet and marry a lady he was introduced to 3 years ago. He got a teaching job in Nanning thru ATC in Australia and hope to stay 1 yr b4 going back to Australia. I wish him all the best!

It started to drizzle when our flight landed at Kunming International Airport. We took a cab (Y30) to the bus station and bought our bus tickets (Y123) from Kunming to Xiaguang. We arrived at the bus station amidst heavenly shower blessing. We got drenched. Thankfully, the small towel I tucked inside my backpack at a last minute, came in very useful.

From Xiaguang, we took a cab to Dali Ancient Town (Y30) and bumped into Father Larry, Lifei, Teresa and her guest from Hong Kong, Andrew. They just had their dinner and are preparing to go back. I only knew Teresa then as she came to Singapore about 2 wks ago.

After checking in, we went for our dinner. I'm amazed at the way they laid out the uncooked food in plates and basins on the floor for customers to pick. I had a fulfilling dinner. Nice vegetables and soup. (Ah! I mention to my cousin that I want to go on vegetarian diet when I'm there as I understand the people in Dali loves dog's meat and I cannot bring myself to stomach that.)

Unconditional Friendship Is Like A Piece Of Gold

Certain people touches your heart. I was having kopi-o with Shima today. She came back from Australia to see her ailing dad and I felt that no matter how busy I must make it a point to catch up with her b4 my trip. I'm glad I did. She taught me something that I really treasure. Yes, when you give, you give with your heart and expect nothing in return and yes, regardless of race, language or religion.

When she knows I'm going to Dali and will be staying at a church with my cousin for a couple of day, she took out a $50 note. At the end of our kopi-o session, she asked me to hand the donation for missionary cause. She is not a Chinese, she is not a Christian but she donated just like that. How can I say no? Like she joked, "Not for you huh, for a cause" I thank her on behalf as there is no way I can reject and decided to donate the same. Thanks for showing me the way, my friend.

There's another friend who ask me if the church needs some soft toys and books. Don't get me wrong, I'm not there to do missionary work. I'm not called. I'm just there to idle .. to relax .. to reflect .. to destress .. to give my old bones a break .. I'm fine with doing nothing, at least, for the time being.

Well, I'm going to a friend's place now. And this is another friend that really go beyond the word "friendship" Knowing my cousin has to be at the airport at 4 or 4.30am, she not only offers her place, which is near the airport, to us but also offer to drive us to the airport in the morning. What can I say? This morning she even asks if I need a ride as her weekend car can go out in the evening. *haha*

I felt blessed to have friends like that. Friends you can count on. Hm .. what can I do for you I return?

Strange, by tomorrow, I will be in Kunming or maybe in Dali. I don't know what lies ahead. I don't know what to expect, except there are many dogs in Dali. How am I going to overcome my fear for dogs? I don't really know.

Read and watch footage of the recent earthquake in Puer .. flood in the Southern region of China. But somehow, I still know, I want to go. Yes, I know I'm going to a strange land where it rains in Summer. Well, I'm prepared to sit through the rain and hopefully at the end of the rain, I can see beautiful rainbow.

This is the 1st time I'm travelling without an itinerary .. without any concrete plan. I just let the Lord guides me through. Whatever will be, will be.

Dali .. Here I come

My last post is in year 2005. Guess I'm not a Blog person.

With an open mind and a lung full of phelgm, I'm ready to embark on my journey to Dali and to, I don't know where else.

I don't know where all that phelgm came from. It's really irritating! Numerous visit to Dr and medicine don't seem to help. Whenever, I'm choke with phelgm, I will start coughing non-stop. It's bad!

That aside, I never have the luxury of travelling with time on hand, with an open ticket. I got 60 days visa in China but will I really utilise the visa to full? Only time will tell.

The day before yesterday, I received a sweet daypack and a nice farewell card with a pair of travelling shoes (2-dimensional, one of my colleagues pointed out to me) from my colleagues. Guess they want me to enjoy my travelling too. Received 2 boxes of Savoury puffs from 2 other colleagues too. Soo sweet of them. I decided to share the joy by distributing them to all colleagues in the office. I really appreciate their thoughts. It's hard to say goodbye but it's for the best of all.

When it is time to go, there's no point holding on, even though the company had decided,after I tendered,to give me an increment and even a promotion. I had to remind my VP, HR, that I had given 2 mths notice. I never believe in looking back and once a decision is made, it's best to move forward.

Anyway, goodbye to work, at least for now. Dali .. I heard you calling for me. Here I come!