So I'm feeling kind of sick and under the weather today. I'm not sure why, but I've been getting really car sick lately, which is weird since the driver here is better than the other ones (I wouldn't say good, but not nearly as reckless...?) Maybe I'm coming down with something or maybe I just need a break. Either way, I'm really under the weather. It didn't help that we got snowed out of our trip to the Three Gorges Dam. I mean, I would rather stay safe in the city than drive forever away and maybe not see the Dam either way only to have to drive all the way back--with my car sickness. Didn't sound like too much fun. So I was with the group when the majority of us voted to stay in the city today.
So what did we do instead of going to the Three Gorges Dam? We went to a few different locations around the city, starting with the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. I mean, it was interesting and important, I'm sure, but I just couldn't concentrate on many of the things Eric was saying this morning...and it was so cold! And my shoes were sooo wet! Once we got through the main exhibit, all I wanted to do was go sit down upstairs in the cafe with the girls and relax (like I said, I wasn't feeling all that well.)
The walk up was treacherous. I think some of us may have wiped out.
Mr. Money. Adventurousness part 1.
After de-thawing, we moved on to the Yellow Crane Tower. Can you say: Beautiful?? It was full of history and this complete stillness that only comes with centuries (and I mean quite a few, since it was built in 223 AD) of reflection by religious men and poets alike. We took our time walking through the walkways leading up to the tower, listening to Eric tell us all about the many writers who competed on completely describing its beauty. It looked almost ethereal with all the snow falling around us, undisturbed by the lack of tourists during that time of year.
Entrance to the tower ticket area
Look! I find Asian twiiin seeestaaa!
Engraving of cranes on the wall
Serenity of the area with the falling snow
Beautiful pagoda area
Eric walked us up the the actual tower, where everyone handed him their camera. I swear, he was so adorable switching all of them from hand to hand. Then he asked to take a picture with me! Me personally! I love Eric, so that's not a problem in the least. :) He was absolutely one of my fave's from the whole trip.
Group shot. (we like those!)
Yeah... I don't get the pose either.
Yellow Crane Tower. It looks imposing, but it was really amazing.
We were left at the foot of the tower to make our own way up, to stay at the bottom and freeze, or to shop around the little stores that had merchandise. Vendula and I decided to take a walk on the wild side and climb all the way to the top. It was a workout and I think if I didn't already have heart palpitations, then I developed them then and there. But what I got from that 15 minute trek to the top were some gorgeous photos of the surrounding area.
View of the courtyard
Hey! I think I can see the bar from here!
He must not realize that there's good food at the bottom and down the street.
Another pagoda in the distance
Again with the weird poses! Must have been the illness.
So, we got done gazing at the city skyline and had a little bit of time to spare, so we thought it would be a great idea to walk down a path that we didn't get to check out on the way in. Needless to say that we strolled idly on and talked about everything, not noticing the time. It didn't help that we'd heard the wrong instructions on where to meet. So, after realizing that we were running late to meet the group, we rushed back toward the entrance to find everyone--except no one was there. Vendula and I were positive that everyone had left us (which honestly didn't make any sense, because we would not be the first two I would pick to vote off the island...) Eventually we realized that they were probably back at the tower, so we made the climb back up to find them, and, sure enough there they were.
The rest of the day was a blur to me. We went to a bonzai garden where they had all of these cool gems and rock formations on display in a museum. It seemed like Dr. Kung's area of interest, because it seemed like he knew absolutely everything there was to know about anything in that museum.
On the way back, I was feeling rougher than ever, but had Eric to talk to. We talked about everything: music, fashion, China as an economic power, China's political pull in the younger generations...etc. I think my favorite part of the conversation centered around Miley Cyrus not being a good role model and how ridiculous Justin Bieber is--although it was good to hear that many Chinese don't agree with North Korea politically.
Final note: We ate with one of Dr. Kung's friends--who graciously treated us to dinner on our last night. I passed out in my shortly after...
Curse you travel-sickness!
Whitney
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