The Grumpy Traveler

Visions of adventure and songs such as High School Musical 2's "Summer Vacation" were running through our brains -- School's Out!

BUT...

...if there was possibly a way to get from A to B without having to do the in between part of 'getting', I would be the first person to try it. I LOVE to get out, be in new places, see new things and I love the idea of road trips, trains, buses, and planes but (and Jason will be the first person to tell you this), I guess I'm not the best traveler. I've a history of motion sickness and even though I have trained myself to fall asleep within 1/2 hour of being in the car, the actual traveling is definitely not my most favourite of the journey. While I love the scenery, I don't love watching it move by so quickly. Think Chinese roads with no speed limits -- or distinctions as to which side you should drive on (the lines are more like suggestions). But get me off that bus, give me a map and let me find the nearest cài shì chǎng (market) and I'm happy again!

When the opportunity to travel for free came up, you didn't have to ask us twice! What could be more fun that traveling with 20 odd students from a university in the States that need translators (finally, someone who has worse Chinese than me!)? Well, "free" translates to "fun" when you are frugal travelers like us. Lonely Planet will be begging us to write for them someday...

First stop, Bǎisè -- literal meaning: city of one hundred colours. Small but well organised, Bǎisè is a happening little place with relatively few foreign visitors and some intriguing sights. Its historical significance is the connection to China's "Second Great Leader" Dèng Xiǎo Pīng(he is really the third after Mao but I guess the second guy doesn't really count) and the Seventh Route Army. Considered among Dèng Xiǎo Pīng greatest accomplishments are China's opening up to the west and the one child policy (ah, now you know who I'm talking about don't you?!). Bǎisè is also well know for her mangoes...not more than liǎng kuài yī jīn (about 25 cents for 500 grams or a little over a pound) and sooo good (I'm bragging to the Americans).

We were only there for two days so we spent some time touring the town, sampling the local delicacies (fresh, raw honey...mmm), doing the touristy thing and an English Corner (you wouldn't believe how many people can assemble just by word of mouth with little less than a day's notice!). But I really enjoyed visiting the art classes at the local high school.

Bright and early, Wednesday morning, we left for Bāmǎ. Now if you're State-side, you might remember seeing a segment about Bāmǎ on one of the news programmes lately. People make regular pilgrimages here, searching for the much sort after proverbial fountain of youth because I believe, more centennials live in this tiny village than any other place in China (perhaps even the world). Must be something in the water because we also saw more brand-spanking new babies here than anywhere else in China.

Aren't they precious? These are the oldest people in the village -- the little old man is 111 years old and the little old lady is 108 years old. Both still totally coherent and cracking jokes. The little old man was telling us his claim to fame is that he out-lived Mao.

Ah, can't you feel the serenity? We also went to a cave and despite being mildly claustrophobic, I made it out alive. And being true to the Chinese spirit of not being able to leave anything in its natural state, there was over-kill on the neon lights.

For now, we're back home, safe 'n' sound. Thus is the start of what promises to be a busy summer!