"Sheep"

Sometimes we wonder what Miss K remembers and if she puts things together. We were reminded that she is very aware of what is going on around and putting things together. It didn't take us long to cross the border last week and she was asking to watch "sheep".

Last summer she watched "sheep" which is technically called Pleasant goat and big big wolf and she knew she was back where she could watch it again. She does remember and put things together.

 

Cormorant Fishing

After going to the market we went on a small boat on the Erhai lake and saw the fishermen fishing with cormorants. I couldn't believe we agreed to going on a small boat with Miss K. She is not always one to sit still.

Only two or three months a year are they able to fish using nets. most of the time they can only use cormorants. There are six families in the village with cormorants.

We went in a boat next to the fisherman and his wife.

The birds are able to dive about 25 meters. They have a straw tied around their necks. They are able to swallow the small fish but the larger ones they bring up to the fisherman.

We watched the cormorants dive for some time wondering if we would see them actually catch a large fish. We learned that if they are gathered together and fighting that they have caught a larger fish. The one who brings up the fish gets a treat.

This was a highlight of trip. We have heard about cormorant fishing but to actually see it in person was quite interesting. In Guilin they also fish with cormorants at night with lanterns.

To market, to market

I love markets. I remember one of my first visits to an Asian market in 1991. Markets are full of colors, sounds, and a few smells. I was so excited when our tour guide offered to take us to a local market.

Ginger

Carrots - in Asia the carrots are larger. I have to say that these at the market were nice and clean.

I think the Bai people were using reusable bags long before we were.

Some spices for sale. I did see chili peppers as well.

The market was a highlight of the trip. We were in a local area and only saw four other tourists.

Things we could have bought - Part 1

We decided that we don't need any more things to clutter our house. Also at this point in our trip we don't have much space in our luggage. So we are taking pictures of things we could have bought.

Isn't it beautiful. If you know me, you know how much I love fabric and colors and would you believe I didn't buy any.

I didn't buy any but took a few pictures.

Snow Mountain

The first thing on the itinerary was Snow Mountain. We were told you went up a cable car and we had memories of the cable car last year at the Great Wall. I need to stay that we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the cable car is enclosed.

It was a holiday and the line to get on a econ bus that takes you to the cable car was about an hour and then once we got there we had to wait in line again. The wait was worth it though the weather wasn't the greatest. It was raining a bit which made the walkway slippery.

The sky had cleared a bit when we came down the mountain.

When we got to the top which is not the top but still high enough that the air is thinner. They sold oxygen in cans. We walked to Spruce Meadow.

We saw cows and horses up there. This was part of the "Tea Horse Road" When in the past they used to trade tea for horses.

We came down and Miss K said she wanted to go again. I think that is a sign that she enjoyed Snow Mountain.

 

The room with a view

I mean a toilet next to the door. Our hotel was a very nice one considering where we were. The walkway to our room was surrounded by bamboo and beautiful flowers. Then we got to our door.

So if you are looking for a new use for an old toilet, here is an idea.

Traveling

After the hour or more that we stood in line at immigration, Miss K drew a picture of mama.

(Turn you head to the right and you can see the picture. For some reason I was unable to rotate the photo.) You can see the eyes popping out.