After spending a majority of my time here adjusting and getting acquainted with the area, I figured it was time to get out and explore a little. I had gone to the Kunming Botanical Gardens with my roommates and have explored the city a bit but this time I was headed a little further out.
Shirlin is a town about 76km (47miles) to the southeast of Kunming and is home to a fascinating natural phenomenon. Stonehenge meets Bryce Canyon in the 135 sq. mile park that displays numerous jagged stones jutting up out of the countryside. Shirlin literally stands for ‘stone forest’ and rightfully named. I had seen pictures of the place and was really anxious to get there in real life. Unfortunately, my roommates were busy that day so I decided to take on the challenge of getting there myself, using the little Mandarin that I’ve picked up.
I took a taxi to the main train terminal which also has three different bus terminals, the buses heading out in all directions. When I got out of the taxi I was immediately bombarded by locals who tried showing me where I needed to go in hopes of getting a tip. They thought I was trying to make a bus to Dali (another city close by) but then I told them I was going to Shilin (pronounced sure-lin). They did an immediate 180 and rushed me across the street. I soon found out that all of these people work together for they introduced me to a man who said he would take me there on an express bus for 80kuai (like 12 bucks). I had heard the bus can take up to 4 hours despite the short distance so I said what the heck, this might be better. We then walked back into this parking lot and he put me into his personal car, which although was very nice, definitely wasn’t the bus he told me about. He told me to wait 10 minutes and he’d be right back and then we would go.
Fifteen minutes past and my sketch-o-meter was already past max so I bailed despite their attempts to get me to stay (they were trying to round up more foreigners to maximize the car load). I politely told them to get out of my face and that I was going to find it on my own. So I headed to the train station for I knew there were trains going that direction on a daily basis; plus I was already familiar with the place. However, it took me going to three different ticket windows to get somebody to understand me. Even then they looked confused as hell so I just asked where the bus station was. All they did was point to the left; great, thanks guys! I finally found it though and was happy to have a ticket despite having wasted one hour looking for the right stinking place.
I loaded up with lunch and settled into the half empty bus that was actually comfortable. Off we went, finally! The in-flight movie… some ridiculous Chinese film that involved a breakdance fight that was just hilarious. I don’t know what it is about foreign entertainment, but this film had the same appeal as Most Extreme Elimination Challenge did; quite funny. On our way out we passed a big lake that I had seen on the map before and couldn’t help but picture Chatfield Lake, CO and the fun times wakeboarding I’ve had there. It also made me think of home and all my friends and family that I miss so much. Living in a foreign country isn’t difficult at all; it’s when you find yourself completely alone in a foreign country that your mind starts to race. And mine never stopped. I just couldn’t help thinking of the people that I wish could have been with me at that moment.
Anyway, we finally made it to the park and in only an hour and twenty minutes. I was so excited until I reached the ticket window and realized that I had enough money to get into the park, but not enough for the bus ride home… smart one JB. Fortunately, the only foreign couple I saw the whole day came right behind me to purchase their own tickets. It was difficult for me to ask for money but I did and they were very kind enough to give me a loan. They were staying close to where I live so I vowed to return what they gave me later that night even though it was only $3.00. We went in together but then I broke off to explore on my own.
My first sight of the place was incredible! Up on a little hill top, I could see a majority of the park with the sun hitting it at just the right angle (the pictures are coming soon, I promise!). I was alone for about 5 minutes until I came upon the main area of the park and ran into hundreds of Chinese tourists. I felt like I was at Mecca or something. The place was crowded and noisy. I went up to the main viewing tower where they shoved people along like a sheep heard, cramming us all through the narrow passage ways. Once down from the viewing tower I tried my best to find some isolation, and did. The park has a lot of up and down stairs leading through various passage ways where I found myself completely alone to enjoy the essence of the park. Up and down I went, like a kid at Funplex, enjoying the cool shaded bottoms, gazing up towards the heavens, and then admiring the views from the peaks. The whole park felt like a sanctuary and I was the only disciple. I sat at one narrow gateway, alone…with nothing but the sounds of the birds and silence of the cool stone walls. As I watched the sun set and took in a few moments of reflection, I finally felt a peace about being over here in China. Sure I have left many of you, my friends. But I know I will be back again soon but not without some adventure first! After rushing around with the adrenaline that exploration brings, I thought I’d better make my way towards the exit so that I wouldn’t get myself lost.
I was glad I had made the trek as I left the park… it was definitely a worthwhile adventure. I found the waiting room for buses returning to Kunming and tried to buy a ticket back. Hehe, I was 3kuai short. Fortunately a couple of nice gentlemen were able to spot me (one couple rejected my pitiful request for money, ugh I felt like a begger). But you know, people are inherently good and I’m glad Someone was watching over me to help me get home :).
On the way back I decided that even if I run out of money from traveling and have to return home earlier than expected, it would still be worth it. I’m not going to try to do that, in fact just the opposite, but it’s the discovery of new places and things that gets me up every day and is worth any amount of money (even if you run out). When we returned to Kunming I had to walk home because I was out of cash. Haha, it took me an hour but I made it and saw another part of the city while doing it. That’s it, life is just one big adventure; you never know what the day will bring you so make the most of every day!!!!
(In case you’re wondering, I grabbed the gentlemen’s business card who had loaned me the money at the gate. I went to the hotel and ringed his hotel room. His wife answered and simply told me to email him a thank you but I did at least keep my promise and tried to return the $3 :)
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