The day was spent in Chuxiong to extend our Chinese visas and, in the process, a
better room was located close to the Foreign Affairs office. The fact that one
could purchase delicious vegetarian food around every corner was a bonus. The
best part of the day was spent stuffing ourselves with rice and vegetables.
Chuxiong - Shaqiao – 61 km
Feeling stronger following a day of rest and food, we followed a rough path out of
Chxiong. My assumption that conditions would improve was, clearly, incorrect.
The hills made it sweaty work, but one could feel winter approaching on the
descent. I had to dig out my windbreaker from the bottom of my pannier,
something I hadn't needed in more than a year and it was not weather I was
particularly thrilled about.
The Chinese were big tea drinkers, and one seldom saw a Chinese person without
a jar from which they sipped all day, clutched under their arm. It reminded me of
the mate drinking in South America. Like in South America, hot water was readily
available almost anywhere.
Shaqiao - Xianyun – 95 km
The ride from Shagiao to Xiangun was challenging as the road was in an
appalling state of disrepair and extremely uneven, which tested my mental
strength to no end. In addition, steep hills and a headwind hampered our efforts,
making for a late arrival in Xianyun.
Once in Xianyang, the usual procedure of locating an abode around the food
lanes followed. Supper was a delicious meal of rice and crispy wok-fried
vegetables. Feeling exhausted, I had an early night.