A slow boat in China --- ahhhh!

***Update - new pics have been loaded!

Sorry for the large post, but the pictures would not load properly if I made them smaller. Enjoy!

It didn't matter that the weather forecast of 23 and sunny didn't pan out -- it was actually better that it was a bit misty and blowy -- more mythical. The perfect setting for our 5 hour cruise down the Li River.

It was a chance to see life on the river, enjoy wonderful scenery, sit and relax while the world went by.

We were on one of several boats that made their way down the river - this one is ours

We hadn't pulled away from dock very long, when some very dedicated salesman had attached their rafts to our boat, climbed on the side and began peddling their wares. It was quite a show to see them bartering through the windows.

The top deck was soon beckoning us and we started all the group and scenery poses. There were so many wonderful views as we were surrounded by mountains on all sides.

(pics to be added here when received)

What I found most interesting was the slice of river life we were seeing - lots of little moments that were ordinary in the lives of the locals but so unique for us.

      

The boat also offered some time for conversation, not interupted by high back bus seats - enjoyed time getting to know the Presley family from Ottawa.

Lots of group shots as well were taken...

Julia, Jenna and Kate loved going up on deck on their own for their cover girl photo shoot. They were too funny with their rainbow coloured cameras.

There was some down time in the boat as well - time to enjoy some colouring, some card games and more conversation -- and some snake wine if one felt inclined - NOT.

 

                                                                                                                    

The boat dock at Yangshuo village for some shopping. It was quaint village with lots of new shopping options. Lianne tried her hand at some bartering and scored three recorder style pipes for Kate, Julia and Bryanna.

So many shops to chose from and Juia finds the Chinese version of Claire's - imagine.

And then there were more traditional crafts people - loved the handiwork of the weavers.

What day's outing wouldn't be complete without a trip to McDonald's, Asian style - Happy meals for the kids, a Pucca toy for Julia and chocolate shake and fries (the best ever!) for me.

We then took a crazy golf cart ride through traffic to get to the bus -- I felt like I was in a video game. The ride to the bus and airplane ride were tame after that.

We arrived in Chengdu last night about 9pm - are staying in a luxurious hotel - The Tibet - very opulent -and look forward to a warm day today of 20 - good for climbing up to see the Leshan Buddha -- the largest one in the world.

Can't believe we have already done one week of the trip -- so much to process at times -- some of us still say we can't believe we are here. Julia gave me her top five moments on the boat ride yesterday - her only complaint so far is not enough swimming. That's not bad.