Huangguoshu Falls--Guizhou trip continued

Guizhou trip continued:

Next our bus took us to the Dragon Palace Cave.  We walked along the river, and rode a boat through a huge cave, illuminated with neon lights. Pretty amazing to ride through huge karst caverns in a boat.  We had to keep our hands inside the rails, mind our heads for low hanging rocks, and look out for bumper-car boats!  Then we travelled on to Huangguoshu and stayed at a hotel in the national park.  For dinner we went to the restaurant and order a steaming plate of rice with 3-platters of sweet and sour pork.  We wanted a light meal, and that's what everyone likes to eat!

Next our bus took us to the Dragon Palace Cave.  We walked along the river, and rode a boat through a huge cave, illuminated with neon lights. Pretty amazing to ride through huge karst caverns in a boat.  We had to keep our hands inside the rails, mind our heads for low hanging rocks, and look out for bumper-car boats!  Then we travelled on to Huangguoshu and stayed at a hotel in the national park.  For dinner we went to the restaurant and order a steaming plate of rice with 3-platters of sweet and sour pork.  We wanted a light meal, and that's what everyone likes to eat!

Huangguoshu a Falls is a famous national park with various underground rivers and at least 18-different waterfalls.  One is as tall as Niagara.  We hiked to it in the morning, also took a huge escalator in and out to cut the number of steps in half.  Tim and the other adventurers hiked up to the falls and walked behind them. Mary Morgan and I stayed at the bottom and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and sun rising over the mountains.

Later we took a shuttle bus and continued hiking to more fabulous waterfalls.  Eventually we hiked what seemed like miles, up and down thousands of steps, but the scenery was gorgeous.  It was a beautiful day up in the mountains, clean air, and some sunshine.  Finally we rode a cable car to get out of the park and returned to the hotel for a delicious lunch.  We played a version of "Brainium" with our friends when we returned to Guiyang.

The next day we flew back to Xi'an.  We didn't realize how large a city it is until we flew over the mountains.  There are skyscrapers for miles in every direction.  And yes a thick haze hangs over the city.  It makes us appreciate when we can see clouds and a bit of blue sky between the tall buildings.  But guess what?  When we came out of the Xi'an airport, we actually felt at home!  Back in a familiar place.  I suppose that's what home is--the place where you feel comfortable.

However, when we arrived at our apt. We found that autumn has arrived and it is pretty chilly inside.  The Chinese government doesn't turn the heat on until November 15, so I guess we'll be bundled up while we sit around working on lessons, or go to bed early to get warm!  Now I know why everyone runs around drinking a bottle of warm water.  We're going shopping tomorrow. Hot chocolate mix is at the top of our list!