Down the Li River to Yangshuo.

More gloom this morning - mist right down and rain falling -shorts on none the less. Bus took us to a selling opporchancity which we managed to resist, although we both rather fancied a polished lump of stone at RMB36,000 (£3600) but decided it was too heavy for either of our rucksacks .

Five minutes further down the road we arrived at the river harbour. Amidst much shouting & yelling, some apparently quite bad tempered, we were ushered onto one of the boats, a sort of floating double decker village hall, and were seated at one of about 2 tables of 8. Our immediate neighbour, "Sally" was a tour guide, shepherding a bunch of Beijingites, who, it would seem, had never been out doors before, never mind out of the city. "Crass" springs to mind, the BJs not Sally.

There was food on offer but as we are trying to fast-for-health & safety, we did not order but instead restricted ourselves to jammy buns rescued from the Guilin hotel.

Spent the next 4 hours on the top deck, above the halls, snapping away at the most amazing scenery we have ever seen first hand. Unfortunately the light was not great and even when the sun did come out it was still poor for photos as the direction was wrong for well lit shots. The above is the most atmospheric and representative of today's efforts.

Arrived at Yangshuo about 2 pm and walked our longest stretch with rucksacks on so far along an elevated, covered promenade for want of another description. Lined solidly on one side with stall selling all the standard souvenirs. Avoided temptation, to hit one of the vendors that is. God they are persistent.

, About 3 Princes Street blocks on, MUGS signs illuminated we emerged into the town's northern perimeter and were sold a £3 taxi ride to our hotel, all of 200 yds. further on!!!!!

Hotel pleasant and clean. Found a great veggie restaurant for lunch, the photos were wonderful, the food not quite so good, but very colourful, well presented which is unusual in China, and Sue loved it all. "At last" I cried!

Off to see the cormorant fishing this evening, actually on the bamboo rafts with the fishermen and birds, this being one of Sue's main motivators for being here.
Tomorrow we are signed up for a day's cycling tour of the countryside, on a tandem. Another first for G&S.

Read on ramorrah.
G&S