Kunming: The Asian Asheville, NC

I just got back from visiting Kunming, a city in the southwest. I call it the Asian Asheville for a reason (and no offense to those Asheville folks, either). The reason is that there are so many foreigners (by this I mean caucasians, both American and European) with dredlocks, backpacks, and Chacos riding around on their mountain bikes and chilling out at the French internet cafes, sipping their iced cappucinos and listening to Phish and the Grateful Dead on their iPods. Ok, so that was a generalization about people in Asheville, probably unfair, but hey, I'm aware I'm not politically correct. It's really beautiful there: blue skies, fluffly white clouds, temperatures that make you want to spend every waking (and sleeping) minute outside. No wonder there are so many hippies...it's a great place to be! I got a picture of one of the internet cafes (and yes, I went there and ordered an iced cappucino...guess I've gone "granola" too!)

We didn't get to do much sight-seeing, but soon I will head to Xi'an to see the Terracotta soldiers and other touristy (and for the Y-stone folks "tour-on") places. On the way to the airport I saw this sign that I took a picture of, too. Made me think of home, though obviously not the same.

I didn't get a chance to get pictures of these road signs, but this is what a few have said: "Don't Drinking With Driving," the fast lane is called the "Overtaking Lane," and one of my favorites for driving too fast "Overspeeding Prohibition." Hope those make you smile! Later this week I get to go to the zoo with a friend. YAY! I love animals...can't wait to see some Asian ones like Panda bears! No school this week- it's our equivalent to Fall Break. Hopefully some fun is in store. I just learned how to play spades so I'm ready to take on the others during our free time. Perhaps some more exploration will be possible. Meanwhile, I've got to get some Dead music downloaded to my iPod and start twisting my hair to get the dreds started...ya mon. Have a nice day!