XI'AN IMPRESSIONS

The trip from Lanzhou to Xi’an is the equivalent of travelling from Wellington to Auckland and as such, it is a convenient overnight train ride away. Rail is by far the most popular form of travel in China and the Chinese have it down to a fine art. Endless hot water, friendly stewards, relatively comfortable beds arranged 3 high! All very pleasant unless you have the misfortune of being surrounded on all side by some pretty intense snoring (sadly, my journey home- didn't sleep for a minute).

THE CHINESE VERSIONS

The weather was stunning today, the first blue sky in a week! Spent the afternoon wandering the main pedestrian street, similar to Nanjing Lu in Shanghai, or Cuba Mall in Wellington :)

People watching was excellent because it was the weekend, lots of consumer spending going on. I had a fantastic iced coffee, from the same shops that sell my favourite bubble tea, which was a nice surprise.

NIUROU LAMIAN

Every city in China seems to have its signature dish, and NiuRou LaMian is Lanzhou’s. Hand pulled noodles with beef, and lots of hot pepper, this dish is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have so far not had the courage to attempt to eat them for breakfast (I just don’t think I could stomach them) but they have made for some enjoyable lunches.

OLD HABITS

It is raining today so not the best conditions for wandering the streets. The footpaths here are not only slippery, but also cracked, uneven and filled with holes, its not a risk I’m willing to take without good reason! Thus, I am spending the afternoon inside, catching up on some reading. Bliss.

Since I’ve been here, I have to admit to experiencing rather painful pangs of longing for magazines! I am in serious withdrawal.

TO MARKET

There are markets on every block here, down little side streets that wind around the apartment buildings, it is the best place to be early in the morning. Everyone is bustling around to get their daily groceries, catching up with friends and I'm told that the produce is actually cheaper than later in the day.

LANZHOU 101

Lanzhou is a small city by China standards, with a mere 3.5 million people! Compared to other Chinese cities I’ve been in, it does feel pretty compact.

ODE TO MY UMBRELLA

photo: Vogue Mexico

These days I never go anywhere without my beloved umbrella, aside from my phone (with google maps, one can never be lost!), it is the most useful tool for getting around successfully.

HOW THE PROS DO IT

Pineapples are all over the place here in Lanzhou right now. The street vendors have an ingenious way of dealing with them, which one very kind woman let me photograph her do today. I'm definitely bringing one of these tools home!

One more tip for ultimate enjoyment of your pineapple - if too sweet or not quite ripe, soak in salty water for a while - perfect every time :)

PACKED!

photo: tfs

I am shamelessly impressed with my packing efforts:

• total weight of 24kgs, well under the limit. 
• all items in labelled snaplock bags, organised by category.
• including a variety of gifts, ranging from tea - cocoa - baby pacifier - chocolate. (never go to a Chinese house without a gift!)

Bring on Wednesday!