Guilin/Yangshuo 4 day-vacay

You can count on us here in China to take any opportunity to hop on a plane and visit a new place as often as possible; this past 4 day weekend was no exception. About a month ago Patrick bit the bullet and bought his, Patricia and my flights to go to Guilin and Yang Shuo with Michael and Emma (don’t worry, we paid him back haha). Having gone over a month without a break after Chinese New Year I’m sure you can imagine that we were all very ready for a wee break (I know…we’re spoiled). 

We flew out on Wednesday evening from the Shenzhen airport (how convenient) after a few beers and landed around midnight in Guilin. We had a wonderful sleep and woke up to have a yummy breakfast at our very cozy hostel. Michael and Emma’s flight had been delayed and they hadn’t arrived until the wee hours of the morning but they were up and ready for begin our adventure. The night before Patrick, Patricia and I had booked a bamboo raft for the 5 of us so after breakfast we hopped on our bus and headed out. After a put stop to pick up rum and cokes, a few bus changes and Patrick nearly wetting himself we made it to the boats.

Although we had to struggle with the men running the service we were able to get a 6man boat and set off on our Li River adventure. This is highly recommended – it was spectacular!! The sights were breathtaking and the idea of floating down this famous river on a bamboo raft made it all that much more marvelous (that, and the beers we took along with us). We took pictures, played waving games and laughed a lot (not sure how much the woman steering the raft loved us but she survived).

From the Li River tour we hopped back on the bus and headed to Yang Shuo. By the time we arrived in Yangshuo the three of us girls were near tears (just as Patrick had been on the way to the bamboo rafting) and thinking about resorting to trying to pee in water bottles (yes, we were that desperate). Luckily, we made it and we all returned to our normal selves.

We found our hostel that fortunately ended up being in a brilliant location, got some Italian pizza and thus began our Yangshuo adventure!

Friday, April 6th: Bike Tour to Dragon Cave

Saturday was spent on bicycles touring around the Yangshuo countryside, which was breathtakingly beautiful. The natural views were so refreshing and our lungs greatly appreciated the break from the pollution and the extra trees. We biked about 8km until we arrived at Dragon Cave. We changed into our matching silk boxers (Jill, Patricia and I) and began our tour through the ‘natural’ cave (we laughed a lot as the guide explained the deep meaning of what seemed like every other rock in the ‘natural’ cave). After going deep into the earth and walking through the neatly lit cave we arrived to what we were most excited for – the Mud. We stripped down and hopped into the huge, natural mud pool! 

After getting accustomed to the weird feeling of being surrounded in mud that we could not sink/stand well in (we all decided we had never floated or struggling so much trying to stand, ever) the fun began. We had mud fights, climbed rocks and slid down into the pool and then had a man take a ton of pictures of us at our finest. When it was time to leave the muddy mess we took forever in the showers trying to get ourselves ‘clean’… there was mud Everywhere!! From there we took our things further through the inside of the mountain and enjoyed the natural hot springs!! 

After the muddy fun, the showers and the chilly walk soaking wet the hot springs were just what the doctor ordered!! Needless to say, it took us a while to get ourselves out, changed and ready to get back on our bikes. The evening was spent playing games and having some drinks in Patrick and Patricia’s room before heading out on the town (where we were a little surprised/not thrilled to find that the dance floor, in every bar, was a stage where everyone would sit and watch you).

Saturday, April 7^th: Creating our own tour for the day…

On Saturday we were positive what we wanted to do. Michael and Emma had headed off on bikes for the day but the four of us (Jill, Patrick, Patricia and I) knew that we wanted to have some drinks and see more of the countryside). After some deliberating we decided that we would simply pool our resources and hire someone to take us on our own tour. We found a woman, who happened to be a woman I had said no to the day previous, who helped us find a tuktuk that would be willing to put himself up for hire. She wanted 200rmb for ½ an hour, we made it clear that this was too expensive and that we wanted him for 4 hours. She then said 4 hours would be no problem but that it would cost us 250rmb, in total for all 4 of us…how could we refuse?! We bought the necessities (five 6packs, 4 water bottles) and met our tuktuk driver, who turned out to be a wonderful sport!! 

We had a spectacular day touring around the countryside with our trusty tuktuk driver and my word did we laugh! We ended up playing Dare. This resulted in some funny photos of each of us doing silly things and yes, this meant asking the tuktuk man to stop on countless occasions. We arrived back in town after about 5 hours of shenanigans around the countryside (including a lunch at Moon Hill), met Michael and Emma, showered and enjoyed a second night on the town (much better than the first) in matching hats.

Sunday, April 8^th: Back to Reality

None of us were feeling like a million bucks on Sunday morning but we dragged ourselves out of bed, threw on some clothes and headed the Minority Café, where we had become short-term regulars. From there  we had to quickly pack up our things and head to the Guilin airport where we were unpleasantly surprised with a very long delay on account of our flights tires bursting when it had landed to pick us up. Patrick, Patricia and I didn’t get home until 5am and had to work the next morning (far from ideal). LIFE, I suppose. It was all worth the exhaustion that we felt on Monday and I would go back to Yangshuo in a heart beat.

HK Getaway

Last week was a rough week and by Friday I was in much need of a little get away! As soon as school was out I packed up my things, packed a bag, got Krista and we hit the road to HK. It was a bit of a process to physically get ourselves across the border...filling out the wrong form at customs, leaving my wallet on the table where I filled out the proper form, and only realizing that I didn't have a wallet when I was on the bus probably didn't help things. This resulted in me looking like a total twit when I was trying to run back across the border (illegal, who knew?) to fetch my precious Mulberry clutch (that contained virtually my whole life). Once I was able to make myself understood security got on their radios and waved me through; Thank God my wallet was right where I left it and we were able to get the next bus. Getting the next bus was probably for the best, I'm sure the people on the first one were a little miffed with me running back and forth and throwing my underwear all over the street in hopes that my wallet was at the bottom of my bag...
Anyway! 

The boys enjoying the game - Envious!

We made it to our hotel, The Best Western, which was just a bit of an upgrade from The Hong Kong Hostel that the group of us stayed at on our last HK adventure (glitter and mirrors, everywhere). We got ready, had a bottle of wine and shared a small bag of chips (meant to hold us over but ended up being dinner) and were then ready to hit Mid-Levels. Now, I have only been to HK 3 times now but I still leave each time thinking about how much I love this place and how many fantastic things there are to do! Mid-Levels, although we were lured into the first place on the strip due to the great live music, the 7s being on the big screen and it being packed with people with wine (always a good sign) is such a neat place! It is where you find the longest escalator in the world and along it on both sides you can find many bars, restaurants and shops (offering anything you may be in search of). After getting our glass of Rose (a mistake I hope not to make again - too sweet) we set up near the man playing all of the classics and swayed to the music while chatting. It wasn't long before we met a large group of guys from all over the world who had come together for a bachelor party week-end (Hong Kong 7s would be a wild bachelor party). They bought us a bottle of wine, gave us their "business cards", we laughed at them and then we all headed to Lang Quai Fun (Fong). Lang Quai Fun is quite the place, I've been there twice before but never were there so many people. It was a sea of people through the streets and into the bars. The energy was pulsing, the costumes were wild and we were ready to dance! After having a drink on the street (out of big plastic needles) we headed into Graffiti and went straight to the dance floor. Krista and I were having a great time when all of a sudden I had someone giving me a big hug from behind. Low and behold it was Patrick!! Now, when I say there was an ocean of people I am not exaggerating, you wouldn't be able to find someone if you wanted to! But, it was meant to be. The boys arrived and I had been hugged and had a flag draped around my neck before I could say "Is this real life!?". The night went on and after a turn of events it ended with Patrick, Joel and I having a drink on the curb, us then losing Joel and Patrick and I going home to the Hostel. In the morning we all had a good laugh, the boys got their costumes on, had a drink and we headed to the stadium. They were able to get their tickets and I went off to find Mariya, Ross and Allison. 

Mariya, Allison and I had a wonderful day in Hong Kong. It was exactly what I needed! We walked Ross to the stadium (which I will be entering instead of walking past next year) then went on to Starbucks. We had a coffee and then began our HK day. We used the metro which was fantastic and easy, it's so organized and clean! We went to mid-levels and before sitting down for a delicious lunch at Life Organic Health Cafe (which I would highly recommend to anyone) we made out way to Lululemon...one of the loves of my life! haha Dangerous! I was half hoping there wouldn't be sizes so that I could save my wallet but sure enough, I tried on a couple of shirts that the 3 of us agreed I had to buy. Justification: It's my Easter present to myself and with all of my working out I deserve a treat...I think it works! haha 
After our healthy and delicious meal we headed to our next destination: Apple Store and Book Store! Mariya and Allison shopped around while I bought my new baby, a beautiful white 4s iPhone :) Moving up in the world! You would understand what I meant if you could see what I have been using all year. Granted, it worked well and did it's job but my word having an iPhone is a wonderful thing! I feel so much more connected to the world both in and outside of China!! From there I played on my new toy while Mariya and Allison shopped for books to add to the library collection and for Heritage Fair Prizes. 
Allison left us at the mall and after doing some more window shopping Mariya and I headed home to Shenzhen. I don't think it's possible to thank Mariya for our day together in HK, it was such a lovely time and it was so nice to chat with her about everything that has been going on. She really made me feel a great deal better. Ross and Mariya are like my second parents here and I am so thankful for them! 
Saturday evening I spent in their room playing on my iPhone and Mariya was helping me download apps! Patricia came for a visit and then I went to bed laughing at updates from the boys who were still in HK for the second day/night of the 7s (messy haha). 
Needless to say, the spontaneous trip over to HK was brilliant and I will be returning very soon!! 

Some Favourite Quotes of the Day!

While coloring with the girls 

- A: "Oh! Miss. Hoopa! So beautiful! Why you draw so gooood?"

- N: "Because she's a teacher" (very matter-of-factly) 

"Miss. Hoopa, what's that noise?" (very worried)

me: "What noise?" (as I listen I know what she means, the music coming from Em's room)

"Oh, Viv, Mr. R's class is just listening to something. Not to worry:

viv: "Ohhhh (while patting her heart), I thought it was a tiger outside" 

HAHAHA! 

Marching through March

March is a month that I’m finding difficult to blog about. It’s been an interesting month thus far and to be honest I’m feeling ready to say hello to April. My favorite day of the month (so far) was Sunday the 10^th (I’m pretty sure, if not the Sunday previous). I went off to tutoring, which went very well, and met up with Josh, his dad, Michael and Emma for Josh’s dad’s going away brunch at Gypsy’s in Shekou. We had a yummy meal, said our good byes, got a frozen yogurt and headed home. It was such a beautiful day that we decided it had to be spent outside. We all got changed, packed the cooler, grabbed some balls from the P.E. office and were in the park by early afternoon. We found the perfect spot, listened to music, played a ton of different games and relaxed. From there we went to Savarona for supper. It was perfect. 

I’ve had a bit of a tough month here in Shenzhen but I feel pretty lucky to have such wonderful friends.  We’re still having a lot (sometimes too much?) fun and laugh until it hurts on a daily basis. Some of you may not be surprised to learn that I have not improved on my joke telling skills. If it’s possible I think I may be getting worse? But, obviously this does not mean that I will stop trying but must try harder and tell more (although I have been begged to stop on a couple of occasions by these people that I call friends) hahaha! 

Well, I think I'm mostly caught up! 2013 has been a year of laughter, fun, learning, reading, change, and many more things thus far. I'm think that I have probably said this in every post but I really mean it when I say that I cannot believe how fast time is flying. I'll be back in my beautiful small town of Hampton with my family in no time at all! 

Birthday Celebrations in HK!

Beer Pong Winners

We arrived back from Bali on Wednesday, my official birthday (February 20th) and knew that we just had to make it 2 days before a week-end of celebrations in Hong Kong - Michael's birthday was on the 23rd. So we pushed through and on Saturday we packed up and made the hour trip over to beautiful HK. As a side note, I adore HK and would live there in a second if I could afford it. It's so lovely, there's so much going on, people are so pleasant, it's very English and the toilets are so clean! 

Surprise Cake!

Saturday night went a little something like this: doing a huge liquor run with Patrick (enough alcohol to dehydrate a small country), enjoying an entertaining dinner at Outback Steak House (unfortunately for the other patrons, I'm sure they understood our conversations), pre-drinks at our hostel (beer pong and sociables) and a night of dancing and carrying-on in Lang Quay Fun. The shenanigans included glow-in-the-dark horns for the group, expensive champagne, some stumbling bafoons (with love) and a lot of laughing -What a night! 

We got home in the wee hours of the morning and after a good sleep we were ready for breakfast. The boys wanted to go to The Crown Vic for what they claimed to be a delicious breakfast. We showed up to what we were expecting to be a posh place but had a stripper pole out front. We spent the first 5minutes trying to take it all in (the prostitutes, the older day-drunk men, and the fact that we were sitting in such a place at 10am). Naturally, a breakfast (mediocre at best) and a round of Stella turned into a day-drunk. 

We stayed and laughed long enough at a couple of Australians that decided to join us (and pay for a ridiculous amount of drinks) that when it was time to enter the real world we simply slipped into the Mexican restaurant for supper and fancy drinks next door. It also included more free drinks for the birthday boy (one included a barber chair). From there we (Emma, Patricia, Michael, Patrick and I) stumbled to the HK border with our sombreros firmly on our heads and got ourselves home for a much needed rest. 
Life here is difficult, clearly. 

Kuta, Bali (round 2) - 24th Birthday

Being back in Kuta for our last night was a wonderful idea, it all worked out! We did a little bit of shopping (we even found a shoe store that sold my size, I could have fallen over in surprise and delight! I bought 6 pairs..) Before getting ready for some birthday celebrations on the town. 

We got dressed up and went for a luxurious meal across from the beach. Poor Patricia and Emma really weren’t feeling well but they were troopers! After our meal Emma ordered two apple crumbles without knowing that the waiters would be delivering what could be classified as the most scrumptious chocolate cake I have ever eaten! The three of us ate the cake and then the apple crumbles arrived…clearly we had to eat those two. We were given VIP tickets to Sky Garden (again) just before dinner and met up with the Norwegian girls there around 11. 

The drink on fire!

It was such a treat to have one more night out with the girls! I was bought some wild drinks for my birthday and we danced and sang the night away on stage!! Of course once we arrived at the bar we completely forgot about having to get up and be out of our place by 6 to catch our flight. We stayed out until around 3:30am…OOPS! I would do it again. 

Gili Trawanga (Gili T), Bali

Day 5 of our trip was an early morning and an adventure to the Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia. It took us about an hour by bus to get to the other side of Bali where we had some breakfast then hopped on a boat that took us the rest of the way. Emma and I sat on the roof of the boat and soaked in the scenery, what bliss! Not only did we see the beautiful shores of Bali and had the wind whipping wildly through our hair but we also saw two pods of dolphins!!

Once we arrived on the island we did a little bit of walking before finding our beautiful private villa (my word we lucked out with our bookings throughout this trip). We stayed at the Exotic Private Villas and I would stay there again in a heartbeat! The people were sweet, the place was gorgeous and the included breakfast was delicious. Oh, we also had a private pool; we knew when we arrived that we were in for a rough week…

 We were booked to stay in our luxurious villa for 3 nights and then move on to a cheaper place but after moving we quickly decided that we couldn’t stay. It was after a day of snorkeling around the 3 islands that the sun got the best of me (not enough water/shade). I got to our new place and passed out on the floor after a cold shower in front of the one fan in the room. Let’s just saw the one fan was far from sufficient! I went to get the girls and we were out of there as fast as possible!

We arrived on a Tuesday and left on a Tuesday. When people heard that we were staying on the 3km island that we could bike around in less than an hour they looked at us like we were crazy and the common question was “Why?! What will you do here for that amount of time??” We would quickly reply, “We plan on Living The Dream!!” The three of us adored our little island of Gili Trawanga (Gili T)! Our week was spent waking up when we were ready, having a delicious breakfast, getting our bikes, filling our baskets with snorkel gear and water and heading to the beach. I read three books. That is something my mom or Dax would do, not me (but I loved it…uhoh!) Hahaha We spent our days lying on the beach, snorkeling, biking (ps: there are no cars on the island, only bikes and horse drawn buggies), walking, eating and drinking liters of water in an attempt to stay hydrated. 

Our evenings were spent at the Night Market where we ate the most delicious foods for the equivalent of $3 CAN and meeting fantastic people from all over the world (Australia, England, France and Norway mainly). For the first bit of the trip we were so content and relaxed that we even lost our desire to drink. 

Of course this wore off by Thursday and we decided to have some drinks at the Night Market and go out. It was that faitful night that we met the best bunch of girls from Norway! After they explained to us that on the island people go out Monday, Wednesday and Fridays and take it easy on Tuesdays and Thursdays we explained to them that this simply meant we had to create our own party. Did I mentioned it was Valentines Day and it was pouring rain? After drowning Big Mama’s chicken (I lifted the tent above us and All of the water was dumped into the woman’s food…oops!). As karma the next big dump of water landed square on my head. Needless to say I could not have been any more wet. From the Night Market we danced in the rain toward the Irish Pub, which at the time was quiet and romantic for the couples. 

As we bought drinks and had some Joss Shots (not ok) we slowly began building the party mood. Eventually we were standing on chairs and the dj was taking all of our requests. By the end of the night all tables had been cleared and we had started a huge party!! Dancing the night away we were! It was the next day that the Norwegians joined us on the big snorkeling trip around the 3 islands along with some others we had met the day before. My word we had fun! I have never snorkeled in such a beautiful place – I swam with thousands of fish and Sea Turtles!!

Our last day on Gili T was dedicated to the beginning of my birthday celebrations. The three of us went paddle boarding, something that I have wanted to do for a long time!! Patricia treated me for my birthday, which was such a treat. It takes a great deal of balance and I can see how it would be a wonderful workout, I would love to buy one this summer!! I could paddleboard to Kredl’s for an ice cream on a hot day? 

It’s difficult to write about this leg of our journey because words and even pictures really can’t do it justice. It was phenomenal, relaxing, energizing, and everything that the three of us needed it to be. 

It was wonderful to be on our own clock, to be in a place that we could bike/walk anywhere in no time without any stoplights or vehicles for that matter. It was so peaceful and enjoyable. I was very sad to leave such a lovely place where I could walk barefoot all day but alas, we had to get on the boat and head back to Kuta for our last night of our wonderful two week adventure.