Hello David,
Here are a few comments on our trip.
First, I want to say that the organisation was perfect. The hotels were well chosen and always well located. One small reservation about the first hotel, the Linden Centre in Xizhou. The Bai mansion was superb, and so were the breakfasts and dinners, but our room was very basic. Perhaps there are other, renovated rooms…
Our guide in Yunnan was very thoughtful and knowledgeable about Buddhism. He didn’t hesitate to tell us about his life. I want to award first prize for excellence to our French-speaking chef, Fancy. She first met us at the entrance to the market. With a very rich French vocabulary, she explained various displays, such as Chinese medicine, and had us taste the local yak butter drink and the morning “cake”. She then bought what she still needed so we could cook. When we arrived at her home, we tasted some fruit and an excellent tea flavoured with apples and plums. Then, in the kitchen, all the ingredients were ready, and we followed her instructions step by step. She is a natural teacher, driven by the desire to share her passion. We made three dishes, which we then ate together.
It was an exceptional moment. You can recommend this activity: it may seem surprising, but it is very rewarding.
Then came the transfer to Guangxi and a new guide, François, who brought something new, a different style. He spoke French, which does allow for even more conversation. He was very attentive and very efficient in his organisation.
I’ve come to think that changing guides every three days can be enriching!
Ending the trip in a beautiful hotel like the Aurora Sugar House Retreat is an idea worth keeping.
Thank you for your responsiveness and efficiency.
Kind regards,
Armelle and Bruno