Rice Teraces

Departing Chao Long early in the morning, we took a long old bus ride to first dump our big bags at Guilin train station for two nights, and then onwards to a village where after a short hike we could rest for the night ready for a five hour hike the following day on to another village high in the Longji Rice Terraces. First arrival was a little annoying. Like the ladies at Moon Hill, before we'd even got off the bus we were surounded by local ladies wanting to be porters. I understand me giving them business would pay them enough to eat for a few days, but once it's on my back and the straps are done up, it means I'm going to carry my bag myself. But still one will try to take it from me whilst the other points inside her empty basket. The ladies were really little and according to the guisness book of records, are from the first village alowed long hair. I don't know what that means but they all do have very long hair.

The hike itself was ok actually and it felt really good to get some decent exercise for a change. The second village was great. Our guesthouse had an outside seating area overlooking the terraces out the back. Getting myself up early in the morning for a walk, leaving out of the front was like entering a theme village. All the buildings sit perched precariously on the edge of the steep hills at different heights, and a few narrow slate trails weave a route from level to level. On the path from the hotel I can see across to the other hill edge and try to work out what route leads to where whilst making an effort to avoid the chickens all over the place. There's not much more to say about here apart from stuff like that which'll probably mean more to me than you. It's good though, you should visit.