Day 8: Li River Cruise

We are up at 7am with bags packed and I feel this is pushing the schedule to the limits.  Our hotel in Guilin is large and impersonal, which is just the sort of place I dislike, but it is functional and I slept well and had a refreshing shower this morning. It is a short 30 minute drive to the dock, during which time the heavens opened and we watch the first rain of the holiday even though we were warned it would be wet.  Luckily it has almost stopped when we pick up our river boat for a cruise along the Li River.   The river runs through the green hills, jagged caves and imposing rock formations and the hot and rainy weather has caused the mist to cling to the hill tops. It's a photo opportunity of truly picturesque scenery.   I happily relax for a few hours and watch the Chinese world go by.

At one particularly stunning point in a bend in the river, our guide (Tony) tells us that the scene before us is known by everyone in China because it features on the 20 Yuan banknote. 

Just before our arrival Tony points out a pretty little hotel clinging to the river banks that would be our hotel for the next 2 nights. Not long after I am standing on our balcony.  There are moments in most holidays when I wonder why on earth I chose to come, and other moments of enlightenment and I'm pleased to say that I'm having one of the latter.  The River Li is in front of me and behind that the pointy, green peaks of the mountains form a backdrop. The sun is out but its not too hot.  I've just showered and I feel clean and fresh,  The cicadas provide an exotic atmosphere and the odd boat punts by.  We are supposed to be watching a local dance performance this evening but that table on the patio below and a bottle of red is beckoning and I decide to stop and chill.