Dion & Christy's Travels: Dali

Dali sits on the plains between the large lake Erhai and the Cangshan Mountains. It is home to the Bai people and was a Kingdom under that name until the 13th century, historically serving as a tea trading route linking China, Burma and Eastern Tibet. Today, the inviting surroundings and reputed comfortable weather, make it a popular backpacker stop in the Yunnan providence.

We spent 5 days here, visiting the Bai village markets, appreciating the westernized comforts of the old town, and saying good-bye our friends made on the intrepid tour. The 3+ weeks with this group was an unanticipated bonus to our time in China. All the shared meals, tour excursions and train/bus rides made for interesting conversations and foray to make new friends all over the world; from Australia to Liverpool to London to Wales to Dublin to Cornwall and even "nearby Toronto".

We intended to spend our additional time in Dali hiking the numerous mountain trails so we headed up to a trekkers' inn overlooking the lake and colorful plots of farmland. After a long, wet chairlift ride up the mountain, we however were greeted by an Inn sunk in clouds & 48 hours of rain. We passed the time reading, watching a few movies, learning & losing games of Chinese Chess (Dion), and with sun breaks the last morning, seeing a few waterfalls and the finally, the view.

Christy walking through town (in her new warm shawl)

Dinner with some of our Intrepid folk

At a bar later that night

Roosters for sale

Or... you could buy them bulk

At the local markets. We followed this woman around all morning trying to get the right picture. She, like so many of the older women, carry all the weight of their groceries on their forehead...amazing.