Shopping for Silk and a Visit to West Lake

This morning started with a coffee at Starbucks! Yes, and it was a shrewd move. That hot soy milk doesn't quite compare! Coffees in hand, Lily showed us a store, and we bought a few silk items which we may or may not have purchased for loved ones reading this blog!!


Then it was on to the Qing Dynasty Street. This is a well- preserved ancient style street with blocks of vendors selling silk items and tea and clothing and native products. It was a shopper's paradise! Found a couple of beautiful silk scarves. I was able to purchase a chop with my name written in Chinese.

Let me put it this way... today was a very hot day. I bought a large visor to protect my face from the sun... it must have been 95 in the shade... except there is no shade... air conditioned stores provide some respite... after lunch, we dripped our way to West Lake... first a beautiful park with weeping willows and bamboo... and then, a huge lake. All that water, and not one person was swimming! One of the highlights was I got a 10 RMB discount on the boat ride because I am 60!! (I'm sure they couldn't believe it when I showed them my passport! haha)

The ride across West Lake to the island provided a nice cool breeze and the walk around the island was beautiful. There is an ancient temple and a zigzag bridge. Lots of people walked along the paths.. I am continually impressed by the well-dressed Chinese women. Beautiful silk dresses that look so cool... lots of pastel colors and attention to detail. After making our way back across the lake we joined Elizabeth, Aki and Lily and continued our walk through the park. The late afternoon light was lovely and the hustle and bustle of nearby streets seemed far away. I can understand why tourists include this city on their visits to China.

Luckily we found a restaurant near the train station to have a dinner and, yes, you guessed it, another beer.... what I wouldn't give for a cool gin and tonic... sampled some spicy tofu on rice which was very tasty.

The train station was PACKED with wall to wall people at 8:00 pm. I wonder if this is because it is Friday night and people are leaving the city for the weekend. Seriously, our little group were the only non-Chinese people in the waiting area. We get lots of stares... as soon as I smile, people are quick to smile in return. I am very impressed with the warmth of the people. ALso, I am much taller than the average Chinese person. One of the students at school asked me why I was so tall. Must look strange to them...

I am now back in the Business Hotel and coming into Yuyao felt a bit like coming home... even this little familiarity is welcome.

Ooh did that shower ever feel great! Turn up the air and good night!


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Location:Hangchou