Never mind if you didn't speak each other's language; when there is a will, there will always be a way. During our recent trip to Guilin, my creative methods in communication was put to test to the max.
We had wanted to purchase boat tickets to a city located to the south of Guilin. From my research, it was highly recommended that one took the river way to this place called Yangshou. The five hour boat ride would feast the eyes to one of the most scenic nature look outs.
We stopped by at an agent who sold the river cruise tickets for our ticket purchase. Two very important tasks I had to execute in the most successful manner. One was to get the right river cruise (to choose from a menu of cruise options which was written in Mandarin!!!) and the other was to bargain for better price (ohhh yesss...price varies a lot from one agent to the other).
It was tough work communicating with the bubbly auntie. First she showed me a different cruise from the one I had in mind. And next, she didn't want to compromise the price. After many minutes of sign language to make known my intentions and punching numbers on the calculator for a good price, I finally managed to get tickets for the Li River Cruise at a price almost 50% less than the initial price she quoted me.
Fuhhh....what a challenge that was!!
At the boat peer, all ready to board the cruise. I paid CNY240 per person for the cruise. Others paid more...especially the Mat Salls. Don't ask me why.
It takes about 5 hours on the river to get to Yangshou. Folks buying snacks ammunition to keep themselves busy on board.
Since there were many, many boats, one had to really look for the right one to board. Pier was like one big Puduraya for boats.
Boat about to start cruising
83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is like an artist's masterpiece.
Small islet in the middle of the river
Awesome looks of the piked limestome mountains
Simply breath taking was the view
The landscape is decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and is lined with bamboo.
A poem described view in this manner..... "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hair-pins".
Fresh air on the upper deck
Small bamboo rafts are used by the locals in carrying out their daily routines.
Small towns by the river
Caves in the mountain
Kitchen is at the back of the boat. Place your order and lunch is served sizzling hot!!
This man tried his level best to sell food and little trinkets to the cruise boat passengers.
Very scenic indeed
Awesome kan??
Another breath taking view
Small villages along the river. The people have become entrepreneurial and started their own cruise business.
Free and easy at the river village
As we approaches our destination Yangshou
Cruise finally coming to a stop.
