Yunnan!

I've just got to Kunming in the Yunnan Province (Southwest). It's just a big city but it's still differently amazing. I can't wait to get to Dali and lijiang and cover the countryside 'cuz Yunnan is said to be the most alluring destination in China. Kunming is quite a laid-back city. The elevation here is already 1890m... The good thing is that it's hot (30 degres C yesterday) but not humid at all like in Guangxi. I'm couchsurfing with a really cool Canadian dude called Neil. We're hanging out, he's taking me to local restaurants and bars where you're not likely to find the Westies. I'm trying the beautiful local food and the local beer... I think it's even cheaper here than in the South. It's still a challenge to get around: I get on buses, I have no clue where I am, I just show my destination which some good samaritan wrote in Chinese for me and eventually I get there... People still stare; some smile; some say hello... I saw a bunch of traditional bands performing in a park yesterday. Singers take turn and people in traditional costume (or not) dance. It's great. I'm still amazed at those little street markets and those cyclists carrying oversized loads (did I tell you I saw a dude on a pick-up bike carrying a mattress and a spring box the other day?) The streets offer a constant spectacle of everyday life: I saw someone brush his teeth in public, somebody else was clipping his toenails... Oh and yeah: women do spit too... Mm'K.