A Smashing Time in Guilin Yangshuo

Guilin is well-known for its spectacular karst landscape but most people have come to hear about the place as a result of the HSBC advertisement which illustrates fishermen using cormorant birds to catch fish. Though the well-known Li River does streamed through the centre of Guilin, the fishing doesn't essentially happen here. However, it occurs in Yangshou which will be our second destination. Guilin is surrounded by very high, green mountains which are bowed at the tops. Many historical heroes and world privileged, Bill Clinton included have been quoted as stating how gorgeous the place is and fortunately we weren't disappointed either. The city has both a charming feel but also a current one as well. There are plenty of shops in the centre, however, a 5 minute walk and you can be next to one of the many attractiveness spots or by the waterside. Our hostel was right next to the river and from the entrance hall you could observe people walking across a shallow part where there was a paved region. We were anxious about doing it ourselves but our night voyage of the stepping stones in Fenghuang had given us some self-belief and we determined we couldn't go without attempting it. I'll let Alison draw to a close the story because it still reminds me nightmares.

Guilin wasn't the little charming city that I thought it would be but still some gorgeous scenery can be seen if you come across beyond the busy city center. Just exterior to the core shopping area are some large lakes which were awfully gorgeous, especially when the sun was going down, we were there. The usual 'celebrity westerner' status was still here and we took some photos but this time we also turned the camera on them. They were very puzzled to have their picture taken too! About a 10 minute walk from town brings you to a very great park named the Seven Star Park and it is worthy visiting. There are many walking paths in the park with monkeys and peacocks running around without restraint. There are also some caves to travel around. The biggest cave was excellent when we first went in because different colored lights were used to decorate the caves look impressive and to highlight various natural stones that were supposed to look like various things. We went in to the cave just following a large Chinese tourist group and after a while the tour guide speaking loudly with her microphone in Chinese and the slow down the pace of the crowd, which annoy us a bit so we decided to overtake. It was only then that we realized that they were only turning the impressive lights on for the Chinese tourist group. We walked through the rest of the cave in dark and a bit displeased that the lights never came to us.

At the end of the cave we noticed a bottomless cave which looked as if there would be water at the bottom. Nigel decided to put an end to the wondering and without really thinking it over, threw a stone down it. We heard clunk, clunk, clunk, smash, but of clunk, clunk, splash! Guess that section of caves impressive lighting, won't be as spectacular as the others. In fact, I never left the bank yet. To get on to the under water, you have to hike down a few steps. In consideration of the heat that day, I suggested that we take our beach sandals off when we were at the bottom of the steps so we could bathe directly in to the cool water without burning our feet on the steps. However, in classic Nigel style, before I had even finished my words, beach sandals were off and he was running down the steps with the smell of burning flesh in the air. Though I had seen people almost running across, I had never seen anyone run straight on to the slippery cobbles. I think you perhaps know what's happening-with only one step on to the cobbles and he severely falls even on his back fully clothed!! Luckily no serious injury was sustained and my first aid equipment had it's first appearance to patch up his injured finger.