Miu Miu's Mutterings: Recounting

I was talking to someone I met about his recent trip to India. He said he has written it all down in his blog. I had a quick look at it. It was both fascinating and informative. Totally inspired by him. Now planning my own trip to India, following his path.

Also set me thinking that maybe there are others out there that may find my travel experiences useful too. So here is something from the past and I hope it maybe of help to you. Our trip to Huangshan and Hangzhou.

24th October - 2nd Nov 2009.

Day 1

Flew from KL to Hangzhou. Arrived at about 11.00 PM. First time there and do not know what to expect. A little problem at the custom. One officer went through Karen's luggage with a fine comb. I wonder what kind of profile she fitted into.

Took the bus from airport to the city center. Got off at the last stop and went looking for our hotel. Surprise, the check in staff said I never booked despite me showing her the confirmation print out. I threaten that our party of 7 will bed down in the lobby. Well it was late, and we were cold and hungry! The bad news was there was some major fire work show in the city earlier and the whole city was chock a bloc with visitors. People were walking off the street asking for rooms even as we we were trying to trash out our problem. One kind receptionist took it upon herself to go check with nearby hotels for vacancy. Eventually she found one with two rooms. Hurray. We had to pay more but we were only too glad to get out of the cold and uncertainty. And we had to sneak up to the rooms because there were so many of us. We had cold beer and kebab for dinner at almost 2 AM! What an adventure and start to our trip!

Day 2

Out of habit, I got up early. Look out the window and had a good view of the city. So this is Hangzhou the capital of Zhejiang Province. Hardly anyone on the street yet.

This is what I saw from the hotel window. The streets are wide and orderly. Not many people on it because it is 7 am on a Sunday morning.

After last night hiccup, Chung and I decided not to leave things too much to chances. So we went to the bus station to get tickets. Then it was back to the hotel to meet up with the rest. Since we had some time before our departure to Tunxi (jump off point to Huangshan) we went exploring and also for breakfast! We made it back in good time and met up with the rest of the party; Kian Meng, Stephen and Edward. They arrived a few days before us. Then it was off to the Hangzhou West Bus Station for our second leg of the journey.

My partners in crime. Waiting for the bus to Tunxi. As yo can see the station is clean and modern. L-R : Edward Chin, Mok, Chung, Andrew Lim, Weng, Kian Meng, Karen Chu, Stephen Chung and Sean Chen.

The journey took about 3 hours and ticket cost RMB 85/pax (about RM40).

There is no mistake we are going up to the highlands. Along the way we saw neat villages tucked at the foothill of mountains.

We got into Tunxi right on time.

A rather strange sign greeted us at the Tunxi Bus Station.

The Huangshan City/Tunxi Bus Station looked spanking new. From here we took another bus to the Loujie (ancient street).

We stayed a night at the Ancient Street Youth Hostel right on the very atmospheric Loujie (ancient street). There is a lot of shops and restaurant along this street. In the early part of the evening this street is filled with tourists and locals. There are many shops here and they sell all sorts of things from trinkets to traditional food and medicines! There are also many restaurants here that served the local cuisine. We dined at the rather quirky one that is directly across our hostel.

The arch that says 'Laujie' (old street). The hostel is on the left, with the lights switched on. This photograph was taken at 6 am. There was hardly anyone on the street. It was bitterly cold. We were waiting for transport to Tangkou and then to Huangshan.