I saw stars tonight, real ones, in the sky!
Dali (old town) is a big change from the previous places we've been. It's a small town, hardly touched by the modernisation that has spoiled so many others. The streets are packed with small shops selling everything from local food and crafts to the worst plastic tat that you find everywhere else. But it's still a very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere where you can walk in the streets without risking life and limb competing with cars.
It looks like I'm not the first European to find this place -- far from it! There are lots of tourists, and several cafés and restaurants are run by non-Chinese people. Had a pizza with a side order of satay vegetables for dinner.
As I write, there is a group of four old men playing and singing traditional songs outside a house across the street. I went over a few minutes ago to ask (in sign language) if I could take a photo. They nodded approval so I took a couple of shots and listened for a while. Then one of the men stood up and went inside; he came out with a chair for me and offered me some of the tea they were sharing. Very touching.
Dali (old town) is a big change from the previous places we've been. It's a small town, hardly touched by the modernisation that has spoiled so many others. The streets are packed with small shops selling everything from local food and crafts to the worst plastic tat that you find everywhere else. But it's still a very pleasant, relaxed atmosphere where you can walk in the streets without risking life and limb competing with cars.
It looks like I'm not the first European to find this place -- far from it! There are lots of tourists, and several cafés and restaurants are run by non-Chinese people. Had a pizza with a side order of satay vegetables for dinner.
As I write, there is a group of four old men playing and singing traditional songs outside a house across the street. I went over a few minutes ago to ask (in sign language) if I could take a photo. They nodded approval so I took a couple of shots and listened for a while. Then one of the men stood up and went inside; he came out with a chair for me and offered me some of the tea they were sharing. Very touching.
