We woke up at 2am this morning, to the sound of people scrambling in the hallways and the yelling of "Sunrise!" Though I had only slept for three hours on beds that were no more than wooden planks with some thin padding thrown on top, I was not tired at all, only excited to climb up the rest of the mountain. It was pitch black outside, but the rest of the village was already up. Shopkeepers and vendors were ready to start selling again. The other tourists, still rubbing their eyes, were starting their climb. Led by the green beam from my flashlight, we headed up. As we went on, it got steeper and steeper until
the only thing you saw looking up were the heels of the person in front of you. Everyone was sweating balls by the time they got to the summit, but it turned out to be worth it. Even though the wind was a bit chilly. Many people rented out winter coats resembling the ones worn by the Chinese Red Army, making them look like Long Marchers as they walked in line along the cliffs of the mountain. From the top we watched the sun rise through the clouds. I remember admiring the view but hoping that I would not roll off the edge of the cliff. Because then my new camera would be damaged.
the only thing you saw looking up were the heels of the person in front of you. Everyone was sweating balls by the time they got to the summit, but it turned out to be worth it. Even though the wind was a bit chilly. Many people rented out winter coats resembling the ones worn by the Chinese Red Army, making them look like Long Marchers as they walked in line along the cliffs of the mountain. From the top we watched the sun rise through the clouds. I remember admiring the view but hoping that I would not roll off the edge of the cliff. Because then my new camera would be damaged. The funny thing about getting up so early is that by 7am, you feel like it's almost lunchtime. Except then you realize that most people are just waking up. After having another overpriced meal with our new friends from Israel - who actually ate this time - I joined them to a quieter part of the mountain to learn how to meditate. I closed my eyes, imagined myself outside my body, and was transported to another place. This feeling, combined with the natural surrounding of rocks, trees, birds, and waterfall made the experience almost magical. Imagine all that, without having to use any mind-altering substances! I now understood the power of meditation. This self induced state of serenity could only be achieved by those who believe, so to all skeptics out there, it is your loss. Meditation = Good stuff.
At noon we checked out of the hostel and took the bus to the train station. Luckil
y we were able to catch a train that afternoon to go to Qingdao, our next destination. We finally made it to Qingdao in the evening and checked into our sweet hostel, a giant step up from the place we stayed the night before. Not only did this place have western toilets, air conditioning, and free internet access, there was a lounge area with a bar, pool table, and couches, and almost all the people there spoke English. The rest spoke Engrish.
For dinner we headed down the street for some sweet food. We called it Big Mamma's house because the lady that worked there had her hair up like a big black mama. And the dishes was fixed up by Big Mama herself. Great taste, great prices. With a stomach full of food and beer, I'm off to bed to pay off my sleep debt for the day.
y we were able to catch a train that afternoon to go to Qingdao, our next destination. We finally made it to Qingdao in the evening and checked into our sweet hostel, a giant step up from the place we stayed the night before. Not only did this place have western toilets, air conditioning, and free internet access, there was a lounge area with a bar, pool table, and couches, and almost all the people there spoke English. The rest spoke Engrish.
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