After the prolonged wait, our brave team members finally assembled in Lijiang, Yunnan. The slight misgivings caused by the sudden change of weather had by no mean damped our enthusiasm towards the yearning adventure - following Joseph Rock's footsteps and to re-discover the Shangri-La deep inside our hearts.
As the plan went, I got up early, had a quick breakfast, and then hopped into a taxi to catch others near the South Memorial Archway of the old town. The first guy I met was Dahe who generously invited me dinner last night. Soon came the couple Becky and Idea. The smell of bashfulness was in the air yet we continued to greet each other with excitement. After the minivan driver assisted us to settle our giant backpacks in the trunk, we headed to the airport to pick up our two last members - Father Hang (Hang) and Brother Han (Han).
The discussion of the weather seemed to be the most universal way to ease people's tenseness and nervousness. In sharp contrast to the dense cloud and misty rain, everyone seemed to be in a light-hearted mood. They all used the "Ah Q's victories" to "fool" themselves into believing that the weather would be better when we were to start our true journey in two days. To be honest, I was somewhat touched by this sort of upbeat spirit. Thanks to my lovely mates, the gingerly hidden unrest inside me had vanished.
The initial plan was to take it easy in the beginning so we would spend the first day in the Lugu Lake area. With little luck, the mist persisted, we saw several car accidents along the dangerous zigzag mountain way. Not until we entered the Lugu Lake territory were we eventually lightened by the first ray of sunlight. After more than 6 hours' excruciating drive, we were finally released. Everyone went up to the viewpoint platform and merrily took photos for each other. Compared to the Lugu Lake two years ago, this one was a bit disappointing. Hopefully the rainbow would bring us luck!
It was still early, we dropped our backpacks at the hotel and then made our way to the Grass Lake where the "Walking Marriage Bridge" (走婚桥, zouhun qiao) was located. Everything looked so familiar as if I had never left. I still remembered the way to the Lamasery, and the restaurant where I once had lunch in. The undercurrent of a nostalgic sentiment accompanied me back to our minivan. Soon was dinner time, I was even more surprise that the restaurant chosen was towards the direction to the Goddess Bay where I was stopped due to fire control last time.
Dinner served, the stone pot fish was amazing. We ate, made fun of each other and laughed. Everyone was content. Thanks to Hang for the excellent choice. After dinner, we went back to hotel and rest. It was such a joyful day.
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