Hello David,
I share Brigitte’s view of this trip: exceptional, timeless and truly incredible. I had not been back to China since 2018, and this trip let me rediscover it from a different angle.
Pivoine, Lili and Mr Liang, our driver, took wonderful care of us. We really appreciated their professionalism, their attention to detail, their kindness and how quickly they responded to every situation. I want to thank them. They built a warm, friendly bond with the group, and it was hard to say goodbye.
They had surprises in store for us, joyful moments and “wow” moments that kept building.
11 days of happiness.
Thank you for choosing such charming and beautiful hotels for us; their comfort left nothing to be desired. I especially loved the Bivou in Shuhe, with its large vegetable garden in front.
I really enjoyed the programme, the visits and the activities.
Since my first visit to Yunnan in 1996, everything has changed enormously. It’s astonishing. I’m delighted to have discovered another Yunnan 30 years later.
As for meals, free lunches with dinners included was a good combination. Thank you for choosing such a wide variety of dinners. I particularly loved the dinner at the Timeless Inn in Shangri-La and the dinner with a Tibetan family. (But we enjoyed every dinner!)
The cooking class with Fancy was simple, instructive and meditative, all in an enchanting setting. Fancy is a remarkable person and teacher.
I would gladly have stayed a few days at the tea plantation, where we were given a superb welcome.
For me, the only small downside of the trip was Dali’s “Old Street”. It is very long, packed with far too many shops and so noisy that walking there is quite unpleasant. I remembered a different Dali, with simple, quiet little lanes, small shops and inns, all on a human scale.
A big thank you to you, David, for our easy and constructive exchanges, your kindness and your ideas, which contributed greatly to the success of this trip to Yunnan.
It was too short. I would have loved to stay longer, as there is so much to discover in this region of China.
We are already thinking about another trip in 2027 for the All Saints’ school holidays (dates: Sunday 24 October to Friday 6 November 2027), and we are considering Taiwan. I’ve just noticed Taiwan Roads in your signature, so it could well be our next destination.
A thousand thanks, David, and all the best to you.
Kind regards,
Sofy