Elizabeth and I travelled together from Beijing through several cities in SW China. We spent time in Kunming, then Dali, and finally, for Christmas, her friend’s wonderful teak-and-marble guesthouse in Lijiang. Along the way, instead of comprehending China, I became increasingly puzzled. The first couple photos reflect this, and nearly all the others are moments when I could, how shall I put it…Relate?
And the photo at the end? The enamel cup was a gift from Elizabeth. In this fast-moving, wealthy (yes, for some that is true) , avowedly atheist country, well — note the title! — this attitude prevails, or seems to, anyhow.
Just when I thought I was getting the hang of things, I wemt to breakfast and looked around for utensils. Nothing. Then, this —
Sanitizing chopsticks (breakfast, Kunming)
i have no comment…
Above the airport toilet (Kunming)
Everywhere in the Southwest..
…soon to become Pomegranate Juice!
Lijiang’s warren of streets held linen, silk, antiques, and —
Red Tea, Lake Erdai
Elizabeth and I had some great meals in Dali; Cafe de Jack gave us the best view – yes, cherry blossoms in mid-December!
Dinner in Dali
Christmas Eve dinner, Lijiang
Chef’s wife offering me yet another piece of Buche de Noe
And finally, a gift from Elizabeth…
ICONIC
mebtravelling 