China's Backcountry

The Li River in Yangshuo

 As mentioned previously, I took a trip with some of my students to Yangshuo, China to do some backpacking. A wonderful company, Terratribes (http://www.terratribes.com/), was our guide around Yangshuo and into the surrounding "backcountry". At their shop we loaded our packs with sleeping bags, cooking supplies, food, tents, pads, a bucket, and a shovel. Once the weight reached 15 kg, we were ready to go.



Proof I was there.

 


Foraging with babes.

 


Our view







Peach blossoms

Campsite, Day 1

 

Farm equipment

At a crossroads: left to one town, right to another

Sharing our campsite, Day 2

Campsite, Day 2 - the view from



Kids and cows sharing space



Day 3 - Foggy morning



Mrs. B on a rock!



It has taken me 35 minutes to post this

Wednesday I leave for my first ever backpacking trip. 3 days in Yangshuo, China, hiking backcountry with 8 teenagers who haven't done anything like this either. Well, at least I've slept on the ground before. Under a tarp. In the rain.

PB got sick on Saturday, me on Sunday, HD today, and hubby...I hope it waits until I return on Saturday next. Wicked cold with body aches. Hello Spring!

Mosquitoes are back.

There are only 9 weeks until I will have finished my first year of teaching. I'm thinking about throwing a party. The question is, last day of school or first day back in the States? Maybe both. And more. (Almost there, Abby! Keep going! - Thanks, inner voice.)

Want to see some pictures? Ask China Telecom to add another cable to our complex so it doesn't take hours. I think a letter-writing campaign is in order. Eh, no time. Pictures in a week.

I'm going to paradise! I'm going to paradise! (Imagine I'm next to you repeating this in the most annoying, bragging voice of an 8-year-old, because) I'm going to paradise!

谢谢，自贡。

Last I wrote, I was reflecting upon my 20s and preparing for a 3 hour trek to Zigong (自贡). A week later, I am filled with stories, sighs, and few words to put to it all. Though we took extra time in Zigong, it still felt like a whirlwind trip. Four days is a short time to "see" a place. I have only one thing to say today about the trip (more to follow, I'm sure):

Xie xie, Zigong (谢谢，自贡). You were welcoming, helpful, and left us alone. Gawking without chasing, laughing at my swipes, and ultimately treating us like humans and not a circus act. I thank you for letting us explore your city as if we were any other person and not tall white foreigners itching for a pet. It was good. And a nice change.

Thanks.

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PS. PB peed in the potty on her own without prompting today - I think the end of diapers is near. Yea!