I dunno what hit me but was having diarrhoea for the whole of last night. Definitely not up for horse riding but already promised Yumin so I must make it. Fervently downing medicine throughout the night. Finally at break of dawn, there was hope as my stomach cramps subsided. So at 8am, I was off to my trip with dark circles under my eyes.
In ancient times, people would ride horses along perilous tea route 茶马古道 (aka southern silk road) via the various mountains and forests to trade goods between the different towns in Yunnan. Today we would be riding on one of the trails into a primitive forest near Lijiang. Sound very exciting, right? Hoped my stomach could co-operate with me. There were 6 of us in the tour and mostly girls. We arrived deep in a Naxi rural village and was led to our horses. My horse name is 色鬼 but he was a mild mannered horse. Off we go! Tour description said that we will be riding for 4 hours. The first one hour was spent riding out of the village which was fun with the different Naxi farm houses and green plots of farmlands along the way. Then came the challenge as we approached the forest which was on higher grounds.
The horses had to start climbing up and down along narrow dusty lanes and steep slopes. My butt started to feel the work as I was jostled along. Soon we reached the forest with rows of trees of different shapes and sizes. Cool fresh air greeted us and made me forgot the torturous night before. I was glad that I made it to this trip after all. Of course the horses wouldn't care for our legs or heads so we must make sure to dodge as we move along. After half an hour, we reached a small river and followed it upstream.
After a 10 minutes walk, we reached a waterfall and stopped for some self exploration by foot. Yumin and I followed the stream which leaded us to a bigger waterfall where we started our photo taking. I bought some snacks from the locals to hand-feed our horses. Soon it was back on the horse and the real torture began. If ascending the hills was challenging for the horses then the descend was the challenge for the riders. Already tired from the 2 hours climb, now my butt and legs had to work extra hard to grip tied while praying hard not to fall from the horses. Luckily we took another route down with rows of pine trees so it took my mind off for a while as I was marvelled by the view.
By the time we reached the village entrance, I was dead tired and in pain but there was still an hour ride back to the farm! Now the village scenery became repetitive and I could sensed that my horse was getting tired as well. The guide tried to humor us by having small talks. At some point, he declared that in Naxi tribe, I would be the prettiest lady among my tour group members as the Naxi men liked their women with dark skin, thick waist and big butt. Seriously I don't think that is any of a compliment. Sigh..
Finally we reached our destination and I hopped down my horse with great joy. After giving my horse a pat on his back, I was happily back on my feet. After a hotpot lunch, we walked toward the Lashi lake. Lashi lake is a calm cool lake with swallow clear water and green seaweed. We took a boat ride on the lake and saw a group of guys making music on a flimsy makeshift raft. It was definitely a courageous act to me since the weather was freaking cold and the raft looked like it would sink any time. But they were all having fun and that was what mattered anyway.
At the end of the trip, I was so tired and bid Yumin goodbye as I made my way to my inn. Halfway along, it started raining again. See, I always brought good luck to the place I visited. Remember it had not rained for months? Yeah I bet they were all happy but I was sure miserable as I made my way back wet and cold. Back in the hostel, they did not have room for half day rent but it would be hours to my flight and I needed some sleep. The kind assistant offered me her bed. I would had rejected out of courtesy but my condition did not allowed me to be polite. Her bed was the softest and she shined like an angel as she turned on the heater to made me more comfortable.
After my rest, I pushed 50rmb to my angel who she actually refused initially. The lady cook asked me if I had my dinner and promptly scooped a bowl of homemade soup. I do felt like crying then from all the kindness shown to me. Then the lady boss sat down and started chatting as we ate our dinner together. Such hospitality and warm feeling in a cold rainy Lijiang evening. The moments spent would be clearly etched in my mind forever. I wished them all the best and happiness always. The inn is Traveller's Inn Lvzheyizhan in the middle of Qiyi street. They called taxi for me at 80rmb and the driver carried my luggages all the way out by hand out of the Gucheng to a carpark. Thankfully I do not need to drag my luggage along the uneven cobbled streets and spoiling the wheels even more.
After 1 hour delay, my flight finally took off to Chengdu uneventfully. That ended my Yunnan trip. All in, I would described Yunnan as a colorful and charming place. Although it is one of the poorer state in China but the people here are more honest and pure hearted. I liked how that they are thankful for nature yet never take things for granted. I felt more peaceful and contented with life after my Yunnan visit.
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