Guilin China, May 11

Wednesday morning we were up bright and early. We took the subway then a bus into China to the Shenzhen airport. We flew from there to Guilin China. 

Guilin was the most beautiful place we saw in China. It was green and lush (and humid). We had a darling guide whose English name was Yvonne. The Chinese often take an English name that sounds similar to their Chinese name. It makes it easier for our slow tongues to pronounce but their English names are not so pretty as their own name in Chinese. 

Yvonne told us that Guilin is a small city in China. We asked, "How small?" She replied, "Only two or three million." We laughed. That's more people than in the entire state of Utah. It did feel small compared to Hong Kong and Beijing. When you see Chinese paintings of green hills, beautiful rivers, and clouds, they are often inspired by Guilin. It is surrounded by limestone hills and lush green foliage and the river Li winds around the valley.

Our schedule for May 11:

• Lunch
• Mount Yao
• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Fubo Hill
• Dinner
• Acrobat Show

We grabbed a quick lunch. By the way, Kentucky Fried Chicken is alive and well in China. I think we saw more of them than McDonald's. After lunch we went to Mount Yao. At the top of Mount Yao there is a view of the surrounding area that is breathtaking. Unfortunately we had to take a chairlift to see that breathtaking view. The chairlift ride almost took my breath away permanently. We're not talking any OSHA standards here. A simple arm rest that swings down and also provides a foot rest. No locking mechanism, no seat belt. Can you tell I'm not a skier? It was a long, long ride to the top, made even more "exciting" (and I use the term loosely) by increasing winds and rain the higher up we went. I thought I might die. 

I'm such a baby. It was hard to truly enjoy the view because all I could think of was the ride down. As you can tell, I survived. The pictures of the chairlift ride were taken by Ray. My hands could not let go of the bar to take a picture. I barely got the feeling back in my hands before we rode back down again. Like I said, I am a baby.

From Mount Yao we went to Elephant Trunk Hill, then onto Fubo Hill - more nice stuff to look at. 

We had a delicious dinner at one of Yvonne's favorite restaurants. We had our own private room. Out in the main area there was a huge wedding dinner. It was fun to see the beautiful food, and all the people having so much fun. As we came into the restaurant, the bride and groom were greeting their guests. We tried to sneak by discretely. It didn't work. They offered each of us a small gift. Typical of how we were treated in China - always graciously.

Shenzhen Airport - Charles and Ann

Shenzhen Airport, Paul and Orva (Mom and Dad in the background)

Shenzhen Airport - John

Our guide Yvonne

This is the chairlift we rode to the top. Where you board the lift, it is actually billed as a Cable Car. Ha!

Looking through the enclosed lift, which we were not allowed on. Orva and Paul in the chairlift in front.

John and Audry. Look how relaxed they are!

Ann and Charles with their armrest raised preparing to disembark.

We went much further than the top of the hill you can see in the distance.
That's just the first hill we ascended to.

Supposedly the view from the chairlift. I wouldn't have that knowledge personally.

Mom and Dad. This is where we got off to see the view. 

Elephant Trunk Hill. If you use your imagination it looks like an elephant trunk.
It's easier to tell when you see the whole thing from a little further away.

Mom. 81 years old. Doesn't she look amazing?? Her natural hair color.

Dad. 80 years old. We had a hard time keeping up with the two of them.

Diane and Ray

Ray

Ann, Mom, Orva, Paul, Dad

Charles, Ann, Dad, Mom, Diane, Ray, Paul Orva, John, Audry

Diane and Ray

Listening to Yvonne at Fubo Hill.
Orva, Paul, Mom, Ray, Audry, John, Yvonne, Diane, Charles

A view of Guilin from Fubo Hill

Another view of Guilin

Diane and Ray. This was the wedding arch the bride and groom stood in front of to greet their guests.

Our motto: never miss an opportunity when it comes your way.