Traveling the World

As you wake up from a good night’s sleep, you decide that today you will tackle the Dali wall. From the center of the old town, you stroll leisurely around the streets until you reach the target: the massive fortress walls. The 30 steps are no problem as you jump up two at a time. Seconds later, you reach the top. Wow! The brilliant blue sky and few clouds allow for an amazing 360° view of the area. On one side is the old town, while on the other is the new town. Looking east is the famous and very beautiful Cangshan Mountains, and to the west is the stunning Erhai Lake. The radiance of the sun’s rays, coupled with the strange calming effect of the natural beauty surrounding you in all directions creates a euphoric sense in your mind.

You think to yourself, “It can’t possibly get much better than this,” until seconds later you are hounded by a little old woman hoping to sell you a picture of yourself drooling over Dali’s beauty for 10rmb. It’s at that moment you return to your senses and remember where you are: a backpacker’s haven, but a tout’s haven as well. You take the pictures you find breathtaking, and quickly leave the wall for breakfast and to get away from the plethora of vendors trying to hawk their wares.