More Yangshuo...

Yesterday was a bit rainy but I'd gotten up at the crack of 4am so it was a nice day to nap a bit. Still did some wandering and got acquainted with the town. There are a couple of major tourist streets and then some side streets that are more interesting. You know how Chinese tourists are pretty obnoxious? Well, they're just as obnoxious in their own country! Ahhhhhh! This town is FULL of them. So much for the solitude and quiet wanderings I was looking forward to when I got here... At least the air is better and I can take a deep breath without wheezing. Did have a lovely dinner at KFC. Yep, it's everywhere! And they have the best little tarts! I had one from a street vendor in Nanjing and Olive (our guide) said the best were at KFC. Go figure! It's just crust with custard inside. What's not to love? Got up bright and early today and had a fairly American breakfast with the voucher I was given at my hotel. I love eating - but it's nice to have "western" food... Fried eggs, bacon, toast, grilled tomato, and potato pancakes with fresh squeezed oj and COFFEE! Yippee! Met my cooking school leader, Sally, and the family who also signed up for a market tour. I could have stayed for hours. (I'll try to find my way back.) So many interesting things. Frogs, turtles, eels, snails, lots of fish, and fresh veggies galore. We drove out in my new favorite van... Like a "groovy" but small! LOVE IT! The cooking school was a short drive but out in the country with beautiful views. It's owned by an Australian woman but the staff is all Chinese. When tutored, I'm a very good cook! We made duck with veggies, pork with pickled ginger, really yummy and easy egg dumplings, and a chicken dish. I had a beer, too, and the beers here are big so perhaps it was the beer, not the cooking that was really good... :) Went to a water color class afterward. Bamboo trees are harder to paint than they look. Trust me... Had some free time for wandering and then going to a show on the river later tonight with the family I met at cooking. They're from the Australian Gold Coast - Rob, Angela, Daniella, and Peter. The Aussies continue to be good traveling companions! :) Tomorrow morning, Pam, the owner of the cooking school is coming to get me early to go to a market where I can buy a wok, bamboo wok cleaner, knife, steamer, and cutting board for much less expensive than at home. I bought Kathy a spinner (not red but $20) so I'll have room to get it all home... :)