Hello from our 25 hour train ride. That's right 25 hours!!! I swear they didn't tell us about this part of the journey and it has been quite an experience. But I'm jumping ahead. Let's start at the beginning.
We left Korea for Hong Kong where we would meet up with our group for a 16 day tour of China. Our night in Hong Kong was short and a lot of fun. It's a bustling city that we look forward to exploring again after mainland China. We were able to squeeze in a few drinks with Danny's friend from home, Melissa. It was really nice to see a familiar face.
The next morning we met our group. There are 11 of us total; 2 Americans, 3 Germans, 6 Brits ranging between the ages of 18-33. We often feel really old. Everyone is really nice and we're having a good time getting to know them. First stop on the trip was Victoria Peak in HK where we got a bird's eye view of HK's bays and skyline. From there it was time to cross into mainland China. We took the subway to the border where we would walk into China. There was a lot of scrutiny of passports and lots of long lines. There was a moment where we thought one girl wouldn't make it in but thankfully we all got through.
The first stop in our tour was Yangshou. This touristy, river town had recently flooded and we were lucky that we were able to get in on schedule. Unfortunately, a lot of the stores and restaurants were closed and the roads and sidewalks were very wet! We didn't let this stop us. We had 3 full days in Yangshou and in that time we kayaked, biked, hiked and explored the tourist shops. We also tried hot cupping, a process where a cup is heated by a flame and then placed on your back for 10 minutes to draw out the toxins. I wouldn't say it hurt but it was a bit uncomfortable. Check out our pictures of what happens when they removed the cups. We also did a cooking class which was really fun and most of the group was proud of the food we made.
Yangshou is beautiful with small green mountains sprouting out of the land for as far as the eye can see. The highlight of our trip was when our adventure leader took us to her home village where her family cooked us dinner. It was eye opening to see how they live in the small mountain villages. The food was delicious as well.
And that brings us to the 25 hour train ride from Yangshou to Chengdo. It's hour 20 and it hasn't been that bad. Sleeping took up a bunch of time even if it was restless. Books, games and talking with our travel mates has helped pass the time. But I'm ready for some fresh air (people smoke at the end of each car), a clean restroom and the pandas!!!
