21 September 2018
Our departure from Guilin was via a four hour boat ride down the Lipang River. The river excursion was through a classic Chinese karst landscape of limestone pinnacles. The view from the river is replicated on the ¥20 note.
As in all popular Chinese tourist destinations there are many, many people also enjoying this river trip. There is a long procession of river boats all full of tourists with their smart phones recording this amazing scenery in countless photos.
Our destination was the town of YangShuo which until about 2004 was a small agricultural town, it’s only claim being the end of the boat ride from Guilin.
In 2004 a night time spectacular named the Impression Sanjie Liu was created and now what was once a sleepy town is home to some 300,000. The show employs 600 locals and is set on the Lijang river with the limestone pinnacles as a back drop. An amazing song and light show entertains 2000 people at each of two shows a night.
Pace of life
On another travel adventure a Cambodain woman offered a comparison on the pace of life between Cambodia and Vietnam. She explained Cambodians were walking while Vietnamese were running. If this analogy is correct then the Chinese are sprinting.
This was well demonstrated when we were warned the Chinese would leave the Impression Sanjie Liu show before it even finished. Sure enough at that point when it looked like the one hour show was soon to finish the locals were up and heading for the exits. They clearly had somewhere else to be and were not interested in staying to the very end of the performance.
Tai Chi for Travellers
After a Tai Chi lesson I have realised there is a more modern version waiting to be taught. Tai Chi is based on the martial arts, this new version is based on international travel. The following explains some of the Tai Chi for Travellers movements.
Security Scan
This movement will prepare you for the body scan process in all airports.
Spread your legs wide apart and extend your arms up and out from the body at 45 degrees and hold the position. Repeat 10 times.
Stopping the Traffic
For those moments when you are trying to cross a busy street and there seems to be no rules.
Legs spread, head looking over right shoulder and right arm extended with fingers pointed up. Left arm pulled back like an archer. Stare straight ahead over your shoulder as you imagine the traffic stopping.
Checking Overhead Baggage Compartment
This will strengthen the body in preparation for checking the overhead baggage compartment to make sure there is nothing left behind.
Lift up on the tips of your toes and hold the position. Continue until you feel the stretch in the back of your legs.
Searching under the bed
A must do exercise for when you check the hotel room on your departure.
Bend the knees and bend your back at the hips. Move the upper body in a circular motion. Continue until you find that lost item under the bed.
Holding a Backpack on Your Chest
This movement should prepare you for those moments when security tells you to wear your backpack on your front eg if you visit Harrods with a backpack.
Extend your arms out, forming a circle in front of you. Hold the position.
Placing baggage in Overhead Lockers
This movement is similar to Checking Overhead Lockers.
Reach up with both hands, extend the reach, stretch and hold the position.
Attracting a Friend
An invaluable exercise for busy airports.
Raise both arms above your head and stretch as both arms move in a circular motion. Continue as you search for your missing friend.
The Line for Immigration Check
This movement replicates the process of ensuring the traveller in front of you in the queue moves along toward the immigration check and doesn’t dawdle.
Bend the knees and extend the right arm in a forward thrust, open the hand, rotate the fingers and withdraw the arm. Repeat with the left arm. Continue as you imagine the person in front of you moving along in the queue.
Empty Your Pockets
A useful exercise for when security asks; do you have anything in your pockets.
Raise your hands above your head in a stretch. Bring your arms down on each side of your body, down over your shirt, over your trousers and down your legs until your hands are touching your toes, and hold.
Packing Your bag
Finally:
At the end of each movement clasp your hands together and push down. This movement replicates the process of compressing your suitcase so you can zip it closed.
A Traveller's Tale 