Oh Yeah, We Went to Lijiang Too!

We did stop at one other place on our China travels.  A wonderful place called Lijiang.

You may recognize it from the Amazing Race (they've been there twice).

And if you do, you are not the only one!  Apparently 50 million people recognize it too!  And, lucky us, they all seemed to be there visiting it when we were!

Also, just for kicks, it was rainy and cold too.

Now that's not to say Lijiang was a total waste of our time.  It wasn't entirely. 

Did we get to hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge (one of the most beautiful places in China)?  No.  But I'm not entirely bitter because I did get to take a Chinese Tour!  Not quite the trade off that Ed said it would be, but not bad either.

What Tiger Leaping Gorge looks like after about a week of rain. And yes, that walkway is in the middle of the river.

Fixin' the broken down bus.

Did we get to enjoy a beer on top of China's largest gorge?  No.  But we did get to drink with our guest house host.  A lovely woman named Chong Chong.  She took us to the BEST. MEAL. EVER.  Here's a hint: deep fried pork belly with mint and spicy red flakes.  Sound gross?  Its not!  Its the BEST. MEAL. EVER.

 Did we get to make people happy?  YES!  This kid hugged him Mickey Mouse Style.  That's right.  Super excited, screaming, full on, arms wrapped around the belly type hug.  The kid was in heaven.  Ed was in heaven.  I was embarrassed.

Okay, I was in Heaven too.

Did we get to walk through the famously canal streets of Lijiang in peaceful bliss? No. But Ed did get to hold.....................wait for it................

A monkey (who cupped his face).

 A hawk (who flew right at me).

A Yak (which he did not hold but rather ride...but still).

A wild pig (which again, he did not hold but stood really, really close too).

He was one with nature. He was: The Animal Whisperer.

Did we get to wait in really long lines that have made it possible for me never complain again about waiting in line at a Disney Theme Park. Yes. For example:

 Here:

And there were at least twice that many people behind us too.  Remember this next time you're in the grocery store.  Or complain to me about lines.  I will have NO sympathy.

 And Here:

 Oh wait! Here too!

Finally.  Did I get to drink the World's Best Coffee?  Yes.  And it wasn't that great.  But Ed and I have to call it the world's best because it was 50rmb for a espresso size cup of just okay coffee.  The woman told us in English it was 15.  Or rather, she possibly could have said 50, but due to the accent, we heard 15.  Needless, we were not happy. Or impressed. We just felt like fools.  Lesson: Ask for prices in Chinese only.  There is no confusion in Chinese about 15 and 50.

So was Lijiang the best spot in China. It depends.  Was it very pretty.  I'm not sure (rain and clouds made it impossible to tell).  But I've heard from a lot of people that it is great.  I'm just not convinced.  Yet, if you asked if I would go back I would.  Only for the deep fried pig's belly.  And maybe for that monkey too.