I love the ancient village of Dali. I also had copious amount of the Dali lager (and trust me, in between meandering the small streets and taking in the sights, the heat did render this necessary) and if I ever throw a massive BBQ party, I'm getting one of the locals to come on over and groove their stuff. The sticks had never tasted better.
Where could you see a Bai native walking his donkey with his two faithful moggies tagging along? Where would you stand like a little sprouting mushroom-mouth gaping at the towering monstrosity of the gates? Where would you chill out on a really cool youth hostel that is made out of a small village dwelling, courtyard and tea tatami thrown in with a hot shower 24/7 on good measure? Where could you sit amongst the local Hui (displacement hadn't dispersed their tenacity thin) and enjoy their company while absorbing the smell of freshly cut meat and savouring the steaming hot noodles for brunch? Where else but here?
Some places blow your mind away with the tweets of a new day and then lull you to sleep with the gentle quietness of a night, broken none by even a cricket's note. As you stretch yourself out on the soft white plushness of the bed, your mind relishes in the prospect of another bright, sunny cool day up here on the mountains, perhaps a bicycle along the way to explore the many surprises of a small town, known for many things ancient and tales of empires, as well as the freshness and easiness of its spirit and vibrant nature.
Today has been absolutely perfect. Hubby, you've always made my birthdays so special and this year, here's to "cheers on" again, "corporate diskusi on global censorship policies" and the difference between "puppy" and "rabbit" (smile)... one of the many spots that we've ended up welcoming the arrival of another year in life... thanks for loving me, wrinkle and all!
