China — Day 8: June 2019

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Day 8 was our first full day in Guilin. It’s a smaller city — “only” 700,000 people — but known for its natural beauty.

Our first stop was a local tea farm; actually, a government-run tea research farm where they test out different ways to (better) grow tea. We learned more about tea in 10 minutes than most of us had learned our entire lives; saw how tea goes from plant-to-drink; and then got to participate in an (abridged) tea ceremony. Esme even learned that she liked tea! So of course we spent some time (and money) in the gift shop.

Next was a visit to a (government-run, of course) silk factory. We learned about how silk goes from worm to fabric. Our whole group avoided the “hard sell” at the end, but if there was something more than comforters and duvet covers being offered we may have indulged.

Lunch was at a local noodle shop. It was a nice break from the big/traditional (rice-based) meals we’ve been having. In the afternoon we went to the Reed Flute Caves, the biggest in the Guilin area. The kids enjoyed “seeing” the pictures in all of the different formations (e.g. a mushroom hill, a snowman, a lion seeing off guests). We also saw a cool artist who paints landscapes only using the side of his hand — an “adult” type of fingerpainting. Oh, and the men in the group thought the “Seven Stars” restroom with a view was pretty cool!

The reward for the kids was time at the pool when we got back to the hotel — a great pool with a great view on the top floor. That evening, the girls/women went for foot/shoulder/head massages while Han and Jeff ventured to the supermarket next door to check out the local staples.

You can always go to the SmugMug gallery to view or download all of the pictures and video or order prints directly from SmugMug.