24/7/25
Jonathan wanted a day of rest. Moving around ever day for almost two weeks had been exhausting. Staying in Shimian one more night would make a total of 5 nights we’d spent there. Being familiar with the city’s layout made us feel comfortable too.
Additionally, the hotel had a varied breakfast. So we settled down in the restaurant to nibble our way through noodles, vegetables, steamed buns, fruit and congee. Foil wrapped sweet gelatinous rice was a new item we particularly enjoyed. Bean to cup coffee machine too.
Self-service laundry rooms were common in Chinese hotels, so we took advantage of the opportunity. Luckin coffee vouchers coming out of our ears we walked down to get even more caffeine. Sitting on a bench, under the trees, we discussed the relentless progressiveness of China. Were people in the UK holding back? Reluctant to leave the past behind. Clinging to ideals that weren’t capable of dealing with the increasing population? Holding back necessary infrastructure projects? We could see the arguments both ways. China had similar levels of inequality to the UK, but recently they had been targeting the overly rich. So much so that CEO’s, finding themselves at the top of the rich list, tanked their stock prices on purpose.
Having sufficiently entertained the public of Shimian, waving at the children and sedately greeting the elderly, we walked back to the hotel for some lounging time. Several hours of bed rotting ensued. Far too hot to go outside anyway.
Around 6pm we visited the supermarket for some salad and fruit. Grilled wheat gluten spirals from the woman in the cubby hole, again. Tofu and purposefully uncooked chips from another food joint. Lying on our beds munching dinner, we watched the next episode of Smoke.
Durian was calling us. Yes, it’s stupidly expensive. But when would we be back in this part of the world again. Buying it at home wasn’t exactly an option.
Surly They Won't Make It 