How lovely. I don't actually drink much either. We can have a sodapop party.
I've been a bit worried about the whole thievery thing. I usually use a crossbody purse, but due to the purse-cutting epidemic, I may end up bringing something more akin to a fanny pack. Stylin'.
Thanks for letting me know about the Great Firewall. I believe my friend is planning on bringing her (PC) laptop. I'll relay the information to her.
@putonghua73, re: "I shan't be drinking (soft drinks only) because last night has absolutely ruined me, and re-confirmed my decision to return to my (semi) teetotal ways!"
How many times have I said this before...?? How many times have I agreed to pop out for a pint or two only to meander home 12+ hours later...?? How many times have I promised my ears, head and liver that I won't abuse them this way again....?? ;)
Also, I completely agree about circuses (or chained up street acts - bears, monkeys etc etc)
@ Sora25: I'm sure almost everyone will have their own views on VPNs. As you're here for only a month, it's probably not worth paying for anything as such, but I tried using a variety of free proxy server services in Beijing last summer and it was less than reliable. I'm going for a year and having had a look round 12vpn.com or witopia.com seem popular too, although I'll certainly check out putonghua73's suggestions as well. If you love using the internet at all, practically everything you're used to back home is blocked (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, BBC News (I'm a brit)) - this site gives you an idea of the extent of the problem: whatblocked.com/
I got the link above from this helpful blog (also covers non-techy stuff): www.randomwire.com/observing-the-great-firewall
If you like "out of the ordinary" nature adventures I offer day drives out in the countryside and mountain tops.
Most of my photos are taken whithin an hour of kunming city.
My favorite area is Fu Xian Hu area, the crystal clear lake can be a refreshing swim after a day of hiking..
Paraglide Yunnan and Yunnan Nature Adventures
www.flickr.com/photos/yunnan_nature_adventures/sets/
That's not the skinny dip lake is it?
Fu Xian Hu is a 20km long x 3km wide lake, there must have had someone swiming naked at one time......
Sounds nice. I must remember to pack a bathing suit. (Too self-conscious to skinny-dip myself, I'm afraid.) :)
It it's the doctor I think it is (CCHW), ask him if you can go on one of his trips out to a more remote village area. I've known a few people who have gone out with him and it sounds like an great opportunity to see a fascinating and unvarnished side of Yunnan.
@DanTheMan: This sounds interesting as well. Can you post any info on who this guy is, what these trips are and how to contact him, please? "unvarnished" = good. I'd like to get away from the ever-westernising sides of China and stuck into some things more off the beaten track myself.
or perhaps PM me if you can't post publicly? (I've only just found that there is actually a personal message system here)
Yes, same guy. His name is Robert Detrano. This is his website:
And Daphne and I are planning on going with him to a more remote area for the last few weeks of our trip. I was just wondering what there is to do around the city while I'm there.
