Guilin Day 1

After that relaxing trip, we went back to the hotel to rest...and then 6 of the 7 of us (you chicken, Diane--we got you back GOOD, didn't we???) went to have a traditional Chinese foot massage arranged by our darling guide Elfene....all 6 of us in the same room. Hilarious good fun.







The view out my hotel room was a lovely garden


After supper there were three MORE highlights on this packed day-

a chance to watch Cormorant Fishing

This traditional mode of fishing in China involves the use of cormorants to catch fish. Fishermen on bamboo rafts (consisting of five or six large, round bamboo trunks tied together) use strong lights suspended over the water to attract the fish. The fisherman stands on the raft, using a pole to propel the boat. His cormorants perch on his outstretched arms, diving on his command. The cormorants, which are tethered with rings round the base of their necks, catch the fish and then disgorge them for the fishermen . When their work is done the rings are removed so they can eat.



After the fishing tour, we walked past the Sun and Moon Pagodas



to watch the "World's Largest Manmade Waterfall" that cascades down from the Lijaing Hotel every night at 8:30pm.







A pleasant walk back through the city center and we were ready for bed.