Li River Cruise

May 13th, 2005

It was late when we arrived in Guilin the night before.  We didn’t get to see much as we drove into the city but our impression was that Guilin was a nice area and a little more tropical.

We headed out to take a cruise on the Li River. As the bus headed to the river, we could see that there was a lot of farms with rice, lotus, tea, green beans, grapes, and water buffalo, surrounded by plumes of bamboo and occasional brick houses with black tiled roofs. In the distance, we could see the limestone covered mountains in interesting formations. The guide explained the area was once undersea making the landscape one of the most dramatic landscapes in China.

After boarding the boat, we set sail and enjoyed the scenery.

Snake Wine – it is supposed to be good for you!

We stopped at a Tea Plantation on the way home and learned how Tea Leaves are picked and then dried.  I debated if I should put this picture of me in that hat but the figured, why not? I have a feeling it is going to come back to haunt me!

Another picture of Lisa

Lisa – our tour guide!

I was told that means “Tea”