The road to Lishui was paved with good intentions but I wasn't ready for the almighty shade that would reveal itself! I cannot deny I got to see three beautiful scenic areas, that much was true. I learned a serious life lesson, always make reservations unless the arrangements have been totally finessed! China's Lishui kept me on my toes, no word of a lie! Lishui City, don't you do it!
Connections are made any which way these days, I made a certain Lishui connection because of a rather unorthodox situation. Things happened and within that Ningbo moment I wasn't mad because I wanted some more of that sugar, make no mistake I was about to make that happened during 2024's '劳动节/Labour Day Holiday'. WeChat accounts were exchanged with every intention to make that Zhejiang reunion a real thing, I wasn't going play with my own time! The time came to secure those tickets, with another longer May Day weekend secured, those dates were released on the usual booking platforms. I had to beg, borrow and steal because no direct trains were available from Ningbo to Lishui, that was the first facet of shade thrown! I made it happen, I booked my outbound from Ningbo to Lishui via Wenzhou South and the return was via Hangzhou East in a similar direction. The red flags were already fluttering high and fast with no crumbs left, I was side-tracked by something else! I wasn't ready for the drama! That sauce!
Changing trains in China on the High Speed network for the first time was fine, I did have some mild apprehension but that was for nothing. Arriving at Lishui Railway Station signified the beginning of that four day fiasco! I met my driver who had been organised by that person, I trusted in the process but did have my doubts because I wasn't able to drop my bags and refresh myself with a shower! Meeting with that person was nice, it was great to start the meeting, we headed to an evening meal with one of his friends. Was I about to risk it for a man? Damn right! Joined by another guy, I found myself walking along this river with hardly any lights shining. The garden was hushed and you know China allows those spicier moments when its quiet. Bedtime? You know something extra went on, I knew what I wanted to happened and I got more than I bargained for! Those sleeping arrangements weren't ideal, finding myself at that Hanting Hotel wasn't a bad thing, I needed my space and my sleep. I still had my itinerary, I was serious!
My move to the hotel wasn't personal, it was not the most ideal of situations and the extension was appreciated in the end. Waking up after what felt like a snapshot of a sleep, I still had every intention to visit those desired scenic areas! Make no mistake, I accepted the offer for us all to go and enjoy the day because I had not fought tooth and nail to get those sought after Lishui train tickets! Setting off, the drive from Lishui City to our first stop. Now, I low key still had trauma from those Zhangjiajie cable cars when I saw that 'Yunhe Rice Terraces' cable car system! I wasn't playing, I knew that I needed to play ball and keep my nerve in order to reach the top. Thankfully, the actual height wasn't bad, I was able to manage with the height because the cable car only ascended halfway compared to their Zhangjiajie contemporaries. I kept my head in the game, I knew that I had been afforded a very special opportunity to see three upcoming scenic areas in a lesser known place. Truly, the chaos subsided, those views made it make sense! OK!
Now, I couldn't lie because it was really high at the top but I felt grounded because that 'Beautiful Stranger' had a very helpful friend. I appreciated that extension of consideration because it was him who stood with me when the others thought it was alright to split the group up on the way back down to Terra Firma. Yes, the view was amazing as those cascading rice terraces looked stunning, it was satisfying to see such a sight! I gathered my senses, kept on moving and made the best of the day because I owed that to myself! Looking out into the distance with all of the beauty staring back at me, well it gave me a sense of pride because I was getting things done. Making our way down happened, the experience did not need to be repeated and for that I gave the rice terraces my time duly. Heading across the road to a humble restaurant saw us have lunch/dinner, it was swift and I was glad to be on the move once again. The drive to Song Yang County would be long, so I kept the day in mind and wished no delays.
Before my Lishui arrival occurred, I had already expressed my enthusiasm to visit one of the ancient-looking Song Yang villages. Now, we nearly didn't make it! The shade was overflowing, I was not living for every scrap of drama that seemed to be facing me! Those roads were seriously windy and unpredictable as we weaved through such heavenly scenery. The driver's car got hit by an oncoming motorbike, the rainy conditions and other things bought our momentum to a grinding halt! Now, I was exhausted and hanging on by a miracle. The matter was sorted and after waiting on the roadside for a little bit with the traffic police, the motorcyclist zipped away with the officers say so. No mistaking, the three of us left the driver to it, walking to the village was what we did! Now, I saw a deserted set of houses, they didn't resemble those from my APP. The heavens decided to open, I felt delirious in that moment but kept on moving because I wanted to see the village! Was I going to be the only foreigner around? Yes, I had been all day!
The village was absolutely darling, I loved how the renovated houses still held a lot of character. I soaked in that moment, it had been one hell of a day and those views over the village made it all worth it! I caught the attention of some English speaking Chinese visitors, what they said did make me chuckle, I thought it was quite comical! The quaint feeling of that village felt like I was in another world, this place was a whopping two hours away from the rice terraces! I knew that being the only foreigner present in that area made me feel lucky, the village gave me everything! Lishui was calling, I needed the connectivity of the city and the promise of my hotel room. The visit to the village was worth it, I won't forget it! Getting to know Zhejiang Province a little better felt correct, you already know that no lies are being told! Another scenic area? I chose to agree to that final stop, being a short pitstop did impress me because those waters looked calm, I needed to adopt the same energy! Lishui neared, I had enjoyed the sights but I really needed my space.
Bidding farewell to my travel companions, I decided to hit the streets because I needed to walk the day off! I didn't pay attention to those street names, I just wanted to get a little bit lost. I wasn't overly hungry, no immediate dinner plans needed to be made. I knew that going out for a pre-bedtime walk would set me up for a restful sleep because the day had been a lot and the previous night the same. I loved the 'pedestrian' feeling that Lishui's compact city center served, I chose to stay near the main walking street. I kept things moving at a relaxed pace, I felt that I had gone back to a previous China. I was feeling at ease, I could tell that foreigners really weren't the usual flavor in Lishui, I did get some rather curious looks. I did consult my go-to APP for some lifestyle advice because I was tired and didn't want to waste time. I met Lishui in the middle, I had one 'snack street' and 'entertainment quarter' to see then it was time for bed! Being in a smaller city than Ningbo really made me think, I needed to give Ningbo more time!
Getting back on the right track, I saw that newly looking entertainment area that had been designed with an ancient style with a cute lanterns! I simply took a walk through the complex to see a myriad of food vendors, I still didn't feel hungry and that had nothing to do with those local offerings. I was surprised all of a sudden, I witnessed a whole procession-like parade with music and those dressed in ancient clothes had their own dance routines going on. I was spent, I needed my bed! I found a convenience store where I stocked up on some snacks, including an instant noodle pot, some pringles and a drink but don't quote me on anything else because I can't remember! I passed out for the night, I knew that my hotel bed would be right for me, a good nights sleep was guaranteed! I like to live life on the wild side sometimes but there's comfort to consider at points. Those first 48 hours certainly hadn't been uneventful one bit, I wanted a chilled third day! There's a reason why I prefer to travel independently, you know it!
I Needed A Break!
Desperately Seeking Adventure
