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back to Guilin our local tour guide asked if we'd like to go and observe
the Cormorant fishermen at work later that evening, and we all agreed.
Later that evening the bus took us over to the center of the business
district, not far from the hotel, to a boat dock. There we boarded
a good size boat with lots of other tourists, taking our positions
along the outside rail, and we proceeded down the river very slowly.
As we did several Cormorant fishermen, on their bamboo rafts, took
positions alongside the boat. As we traveled down the river together
the fishermen would push the Cormorant into the water, and they'd
submerge hunting for the fish. You could see them occasionally under
the water near the boat. When they caught a fish they'd immediately
head back to the bamboo raft and jump aboard. You could see the large
bulge in the throat caused by the fish lodged in their long necks.
The fisherman would then ease the fish out and show it to us before
putting it in the basket. The Cormorants managed to catch decent size
fish of about 6 to 9 inches long. It was amazing and very interesting
to watch. Of course I took pictures, but it was so dark and the distance
was a bit to far for the flash so the most interesting thing to see
is the lighted city. |
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Night
scenes along the river in Guilin
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Fishing
with Cormorants along the Li River in Guilin
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Cormorants
in the water |
After
watching the Cormorant fishermen for a short time the boat returned
to the dock and we were free to stroll along the main street for
a few minutes. The street was loaded with shops and street vendors.
Several went in search of luggage to accommodate additional things
they'd purchased on the trip. Anne and I took the time to just stroll
along and observe the people.
Sadly
this would be our last evening in Mainland China. The next evening
we would fly to Hong Kong. Our trip was winding down, only two days
in Hong Kong and four days in Bangkok before we return home. We
were saddened it was so near the end, but looking forward to being
in Hong Kong again as both Anne and I love the city and couldn't
wait to introduce John, Carol and Alicia to its beauty and charm.
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Marble
bridge in the park |
The
next morning we were awakened by the rooster's early morning crowing.
Our room directly overlooked the top of an apartment building across
the alley. There were several chicken coops on the roof, as well
as a dog and some pigeon coops. We could occasionally hear the noise
they made, but it wasn't that distracting. It certainly didn't keep
me from getting a good night's rest.
Our
morning was free to roam around near the hotel. We used the time
to search out and purchase several bottles of snake wine. Yes, you
read that correctly ... snake wine. No we weren't intending to drink
it, but I had a brother-in-law at home who, I knew, would love to
have a bottle just to show this family and friends. We found two
bottles with pretty snakes inside that looked good and came back
to the hotel. We had to have our luggage outside the room by lunchtime,
and after lunch we headed off to the Children's Park.
Children's
Park was a beautiful park dedicated to the children of Guilin It
was new and very pretty. When we entered the park there were what
seemed to be hundreds of children by the entrance, and they all
quickly gathered around us to welcome us to the park.
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The
children by the park entrance. They were a bit over eager to gather
around us and welcome us
to the park. Within seconds Anne and I were totally surrounded by
them. They began grabbing at
the cameras which worried me some, but quickly moved off and surrounded
others in the group. |
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Two
views of the central pagoda
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Anne
crossing the ornamental bridge
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Two
little girls who sat down next to me |
Some
kids posing for Anne |
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Let's
continue to the next page for a few more pictures of the Children's
Park and the beautiful Reed Flute Cave ... |
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