frauke at large

Went to Hangzhou on the weekend to have some time off and meet up with friends …

Had a great adventure this weekend – took the train by myself for the very first time in China to go to Hangzhou. Had been to Hangzhou before but as it is the most beautiful place I have seen, to date, I had to return.

So I took the train from Ningbo to Hangzhou and, contrary to my initially feelings about by Mandarin, I managed to have a conversation with the person next to me and found out where they work and where they were going. Well, by conversation I mean and exchange of words with plenty of gesticulation and a distinct mixture of Mandarin and English, but it was great fun nevertheless.

Also had a great time looking at the scenery – which has changed so much since I was last ‘on the road’ – many of the trees are now in flower and the tea plantations are bursting with a lush, deep and light green from the new growth. It is also always so fascinating to see how people live and cultivate the land. In China nothing is wasted; this goes for space, food and any raw materials. The road sides and train track sides are lined with the most meticulously kept rows of vegetables and plants, even the space under the bridges is used. More vegetables burst out of left over bricks which have been made into plant pots.

Got to Hangzhou about 2 and a half hours after setting off and went to the old market after checking into my hotel. Under the roof of one of the tea houses I saw several swallows flying in and out of their nest. Couldn’t resist going in for a cup of tea to watch them from closer proximity. The tea house was a great experience also. I had Jasmine tea and friends had a special green tea mixed from 4 different tea varieties – it came with cold water and the cups were re-filled using, what can only be described as a special ‘kung fu tea poring’ technique. The table was also laid with dried fruit and vegetables to be enjoyed with the tea.

 

 

 

After tea we went and explored Hangzhou a little further – walked towards a great big temple and ended up at a hill top pagoda with a great view over Hangzhou, West Lake and said temple.

 

 

 

Had dinner once again at Louwailou which was fabulous. The the atmosphere was great, the food delicious and the company fantastic. Strolled back home along the lake and in the morning had breakfast at the Hyatt, which rounded off the weekend nicely. Had an extravagance of fruit, smoked salmon, chocolate waffles, tea, omelet and cereal… My heart is still ‘drunk on Hangzhou‘ as the famous Chinese poem about Hangzhou sites, and I can’t wait to return, although first I’m off to Suzhou to visit the world famous gardens before spending a few days in my 2nd favourite city: Shanghai.

 

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