Lijiang

Lijiang, several hundred miles northwest of Kunming, reminds me of a small European city; a warren of narrow cobblestone streets lined with ancient-looking structures. There's an enormous, 18,000 foot tall mountain looming over it, providing a spectacular backdrop and a reminder that we are not far from Tibet. Of course, the architecture, food, people and markets remind me that I am in China. The weather is much better than it was in Yangshuo, sunny and dry with highs of maybe 60 in the sunlight.

The biggest news in recent days is unfortunate: Both Meryl and I have come down with colds, and though I'm beginning to feel better, Meryl is still somewhat under the weather. I'm glad we packed lots of Advil and Tylenol.

We're extending our stay here in Lijiang, where we found a very nice hotel, until at least the morning of Feb. 6, and are cancelling our plans to go to the Wenhai ecolodge. On the 6th we hope to leave to take two or so days to hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge, to the north of here, returning to Lijiang on the 8th. The gorge itself is supposed to be incredible, plunging nearly 10,000 feet at times to the Yangzee river below. We hope to either spend the night here in Lijiang on the 8th, or, if we get back early enough, to catch a bus to Dali, several hours to the south of here. Then we plan to stay in Dali for the Chinese New Year festivities (Feb. 8-11).