29/6/25
There was a wide ranging buffet available for breakfast. We were au fait with the process of obtaining vegan noodles, sans meat and meat broth. There were also vegetables and some fruits. The coffee machine sadly only pumped out cows milk contaminated coffees.
We promptly set about washing our clothes. There was a machine on the top floor. We didn’t trust our synthetics to it and used our sink to hand wash those. We soaked them several times in washing powder. We struggled to remember the last time we’d washed them properly.
We walked to a Luckin coffee shop. A coffee chain that was successfully attempting to unseat Starbucks. It was far cheaper. We struggled to order drinks using the WeChat miniapp. After coaxing the carton of coconut milk from the baristas we ascertained it was vegan. They duly wiped it down before replacing it in the fridge. Frankie had an iced coconut latte. Jonathan stuck to his plain black americano.
We spent the rest of the day planning the next section of our route. We were contemplating heading northwest. The route through the gorge, following the Jianshi wasn’t necessarily the best route. We also tried to find some other programmes to watch. Then inevitably, we decided to stay another night. We had learnt a long time ago that two nights was never sufficient. We always needed a third night to feel rested.
For dinner we went back to the Suhuiyuan vegan buffet. This time we ordered a car on DiDi. There weren’t many cars but a man eventually took our trip. At the restaurant we had a long chat with the owner who joined us for her dinner. She was super kind and friendly. A passionate vegetarian and also a kindergarten teacher. She was extremely pleased we were there and made us feel like honoured guests. A photo shoot ensued with multiple photos inside and outside. Then she organised a taxi for us to visit the nearby hydroelectric dam the following day.
Surly They Won't Make It 