Kunming (Yunnan)
After two months of training and endless learning at the Kung Fu Academy in Shandong Province, the time has come to move on to a another Province of this vast country. I take a flight from Linyi to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming lies on a lush plateau, surrounded by mountains, at an altitude of almost 2000 hm.
From a Chinese perspective, Kunming still has a somewhat exotic, multicultural atmosphere because of the many ethnic groups living here. Across the street, in front of several restaurants specialising in mushroom dishes, young women dressed in traditional handwoven clothing remind me of the mountain villages I visited in Vietnam twenty years ago!
Thanks to its mild, often cool climate, Kunming is also known as the “city of eternal spring“. One thing is for sure – I am finally happy to wear clothes again! I appreciate every drop of refreshing rain since my arrival, and at night I sleep snugly under my blanket with the window open, enjoying the cool breeze on my arms. I was told, there wouldn’t be any mosquitoes…. well, I guess one managed to follow me all the way here, because the itchy bites on my body prove those people wrong!
Dianchi Lake
Dianchi is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province. It stretches for about 40 km, and lies at an alitude of nearly 1,900 metres. My hostel, located in a quiet residential area with a lovely balcony, is only 200 metres away from Dianchi Guanjing Wharf. On my first day, I decide to take a stroll along the lakeshore, passing several scenic spots and Seagull viewpoints.
The weather is pleasant, although a little overcast. Once again, I am the only foreigner among countless Chinese tourists. It is obviously holiday season. I love watching families spend their summer holidays together. Some children are lucky enough to receive a bubble wand.
They laugh with delight as they create giant soap bubbles. Others chase the shimmering bubbles as they drift along the lakeside promenade. I spot a dad, showing his two young children how to use this bubble maker. He is clearly enjoying the toy just as much as they are and seems reluctant to let it got! How playful the Chinese seem to be.
Activities
The variety of activities along this lakeside esplanade seems endless! Giant soap bubbles are undoubtedly the biggest attraction for the youngest visitors. Seagull photography appears to be ecpecially popular among women. I am amazed to see women of all age posing along the railings, with their arms stretched out, seemingly reaching for birds that aren’t even there! Later, professional photographers digitally add seagulls to the photos.
It strikes me once more, how different my perception of nature is from that of many Chinese people.
I have often found myself surrounded by seagulls for real. It would never occure to me, to pose for a photo and then have the birds digitally added afterwards. What’s the point if you didn’t experience them in real life?
Another fascinating “experience” is seeing people walking around with a kind of sound-system trolley. They sing along to the music while recording themselves, taking photos and filming videos. I don’t really understand why somebody would do that. It seems weird. Some even give the impression of being stressed and under a lot of pressure. I am not sure why this should be fun, but perhaps it’s simply a different way of enjoying life.
Temple of the Dragon King
After a while I finally reach the area near the cable car. I spot a temple and ask for directions as I’m not sure which way to go. I love asking people for directions, simply because it creates opportunities to connect with them.
Both times I’m sent me in the opposite direction. It makes me wonder wheather people have lost their sense of direction nowthat everybody relies on the navigation system on their phone. I gratefully thank my generous helpers, wait until they disappear, then take another careful look around. Soon I spot the temple roof, which guides me the rest of the way.
The temple of the Dragon King is surrounded by busy food stalls, but the moment I enter the temple grounds, it feels as though I’ve stepped into another world of peace and tranquillity.
Before long I notice colourful vegetarian buffet that looks absolutely delicious. A friendly man approaches and asks weather I would like some lunch. I hesitate because I had a late breakfast, but everything looks so tempting!
“It’s free today”, he tells me.
Confusid, I point at a sign saying 15 Yuen. He explains that someone has sponsored today’s buffet. All I need to do is collect a free meal ticket at the entrance.
That convinces me. The food tastes heavenly!
Five minutes later, a family of three joins me at my table, and we end up having the most wonderful conversation. I love it, when a genuine cultural exchange happens. The dad speaks excellent English, while his wife and their nine-year-old son are too shy to speak much. Still, we share a beautifull moment over lunch.
Moments like these are what travelling is truly about!
Dianchi Haigeng Park
After spending some more time of reflecting at the temple, it’s time to continue. I turn right and follow the crowd towards Haigeng Park.
Instead of bronze statues, I now enter a much more playful environment. I come across a cheerful public art display featuring colourful, funny cartoon like ducks dressed in quirky outfits. There are picnic areas, and visitors can rent small electric shuttle cars shaped like ducks in bright pink and yellow. It’s hilarious!
I simply can’t get enough of it! China is defenitely the country of PLAY. Age doesn’t seem to matter here.
When I spot a cosy coffee shop in the shade, I settle in a comfortable chair overlooking a small pond. The tranquil scenery immediately relaxes me. Even the paddlewheels (aerators), creating dramatic splashes to oxygenate the water, reduce algae growth and prevent unpleasant smells from stagnant water, cannot disturb my peaceful state of mind.
I love moments like this!
Letters by Air mail
Ever since I learned how to write, I have been passionate about it. That’s probably one of the reasons why I still send postcards and handwritten letters to my beloved friends and family around the world.
I had written a letter to a friend in Nepal, but because I couldn’t find stamps in Feixian, the letter “air”-travelled with me all the way to Yunnan.
This morning, my landlady frowned deeply when I asked where I could find a nearby post office that sold international stamps. “Isn’t it ages ago, that people sent letters?” she asked politly. “It seems such an ancient thing to do”!
I smiled, my warmest smile “Well… some people, still do.”
She had a point, though. Finding stamps and a post office turned out to be a quite an adventure!
Today I walked for more than 2 hours, befor finally finding a post office that sold genuine international postage stamps! It was quite the quest, but absolutely worth it.
I felt as though I had brightenend the day of the lady behind the counter. Once she carefully stamped my envelope and postcards, she smiled and said “they will be sent by air mail “.
That simple sentence made me incredibly happy.
