Fond Farewell to China

Have arrived in Thailand, and so blogging should resume at a more usual pace. But what China lacks in puzzling Internet censorship, it more than makes up for in its myriad, beautiful fashion. So pleased the plans conspired to bring me back there for a final week in the South following Korea. More time to admire the ease with which you can get immersed in the place, and see images of such authenticity that are not just beyond words but maybe beyond understanding. It could be that a notion of comprehension is possible, though. The mountains of Guilin province certainly seem impossible, yet they exist. I like the opportunity to think about what people all over are doing everyday, and be so thankful to be in a position to choose.

Pictures here.

Such spectacular fun in the days spent in Yangshuo with the mix of locals running the hostels and other backpackers who have strayed off the beaten path. From "ping pong beer" at Monkey Jane's to Danish "beer ball" in front of our hostel to staying up all night to watch the sunrise to randomly having the local delicassy ("beer fish") with the wife of the restaurant's chef, what more could a poor traveler ask for or require? Ah, that place has certainly got to be one of the top ten places in the world to just chill out.

The trip down the Li river from Guilin to Yangshuo by bamboo raft, mist, and soft drizzling rain ranks as one of the special moments of the last few months. And, after the hilarious mud bath in the "real" water cave, how magical it was to find a secluded spot on the bike ride back to take a dip in the Yulong river with a great new buddy from D.C., Homi. "This is where it really starts to get fun," he exclaimed perfectly, as we floated in the current and watched the hot-air balloons rise over the mountains. And it only got funnier as two Chinese construction workers show up with shampoo and soap for a shower in the river, and of course they share the goods with us so we can bathe as well.

Yes, it was a glorious culmination to an inspired month or so in what I have clearly come to regard as a particularly favourite country. Read The Analects of Confucius for the first time as well in the last few days, as the review of the classics on this trip also continues to provide intellectual stimulation along with the ascetic beauty offered by the world. One of the great passages reads as follows:

The Master said, "To truly love it is better than just to understand it, and to enjoy it is better than simply to love it."

I think I like the idea of placing enjoyment above even love - and even if I cannot profess to understand China after the brief tour, I have come to both love and enjoy the place so very much. I hope someday down the road I'll get back...