Ok, I guess my plan to update this blog on a daily basis may well backfire because 1) there's just soooo many things to write about, and 2) internet is subject to availability and consistency. Thus, I've decided to ramble in a cohesive paragraph about the journey from 18th Dec onwards...
We left very early on the 18th for Lao Cai via train, which was, considering we bought the cheapest ticket, was not too pleasant a ride. However, it was a ride worth every mention because of the colourful people we met on that 10-hour journey. One thing's for sure, the locals, especially those from rural areas, are amiable but somewhat lacking in the mannerism department. None would hesitate taking up any empty space available on the train, even if it's next to you, although they have not paid for the necessary ticket. Apparently, the notion of private space is absent from their vocabulary. Nonetheless, they made for a very interesting ride to Lao Cai.
Determined to get on a sleeper bus to Kunming that night, we hurriedly crossed the border into Hekou. Just when we thought that Kunming was within sight, I was the subject of a drama that unfolded at the Chinese immigration. Apparently, trusting Aly's account of the mandarin exchange he had with the officers, they suspected that my old Singapore passport was a fake. They even questioned my inability to converse in Chinese after testifying that I am Singaporean. I mean... HELLO? Haven't they heard that there are Malays, Indians, and Others in Singapore? And to think that they are working for the imiigration authority... how ignorant. Worse still, the hold-up made us missed the Kunming bus by 15 minutes. We had no choice but to stay the night. While walking around Hekou after dinner, we spotted an unusual sight. Right there, on a square overlooking the Vietnamese border, was a group of middle-aged ladies gyrating to Hindi tunes! Aly sure got a taste of home. We found that peculiar and entertaining at the same time!
We left for Kunming the next morning. The ride was forgettable but the scenery definitely wasn't. The bus trailed up and down steep valleys that threatens the courage of even the bravest of souls! 9 hours later, we made it to Kunming safe and sound, albeit underestimating the weather. I had my first taste of winter the moment i stepped of the bus. Although known as the City of Eternal Spring, situated at around 1600m above sea-level, Kunming made for a chilly night out, at least for me. On the way to our hostel, we met Osman, a street-vendor selling the best tasting beef satays we ever had. We also took the chance to ask him about Aidiladha celebrations in Kunming and he kind-heartedly gave us directions to the central mosque. After checking in, we had dinner at a now-defunct Muslim Quarter (sadly) and did a walkabout where we met Mansor, another street-vendor. We were amazed at the 'visibility' of the Muslim community in Kunming. As we headed back to the hostel, we concentrated on the prospects of celebrating our first Aidiladha in a foreign country and social context.
More of the celebrations and the journey to Lijiang and Zhongdian later. Now that we're high up in the mountains, 3460m above sea-level to be exact, the internet certainly doesn't come cheap and easy! If you must know, we'll be heading up to Deqin tomorrow ad then back to Kunming. Shall catch up then!
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