China Guillin September 2010

     Guillin is home to many limestone “karsts”(limestone mountains which used to be underwater 600 million years ago).  As the waters receded, vegetation started covering the karsts and they present an ethereal presence with mist shrouding them which has inspired generations of artists and poets.  Han Yu, a great poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote,”The river winds like a blue silk ribbon, while the hills stand erect like green jade hairpins.”
     What better way to see them than a boat trip on the Li River!  Our local guide, Rico, helped me negotiate the boat decks until we were on the top deck in a windowed cubicle with 12 German tourists.
     As our boat moved slowly down river (with 15 – 20 other boats), Rico pointed out many interesting formations while Kathy took a lot of photos.
     Back on shore we had a “risk your life” moment while we stood in the middle of traffic when Rico went to get our driver for the trip back to Guillin.