DAY 3 : Monday, 13 Dec. 2004 - Stone Forest, my favourite.

The first destination was probably the most astonishing spot throughout our whole trip. We headed southeast of Kunming, towards Lunan Yu Autonomous County. Here, lies the famous Stone Forest.

Research has shown that 270 million years ago, this area was covered by a vast expanse of sea water with immense stretch of limestone sediment formed beneath. Perhaps a home for the mermaids? *Cold?*. Years passed, subsequent crustal movements of the earth caused the seabed to rise gradually. Thus forming a large piece of land. Rain, wind, flood and quakes soon eroded the elements, birthing breathtaking pillars of stone, peaks and stalagmites.

The Stone Forest is another one of God’s marvelous creation! A howling success, it contributes greatly to China’s tourist industry. If you happen to step you foot on Yunnan, don’t ever miss it.

Remember I mentioned earlier about Ahei Ge and Ashima? The legend started like this…

Long ago in Kunming, there was a petite girl named Ashima. She was probably the most talkabout item in town. This lady fell in love with Ahei, and the two were inseparable then. The village leader had a son Azhi, who secretly admired Ashima and detained her. Since Ahei was the hero, Ashima insisted her love with him and rejected Azhi. Azhi then proposed a song contest with Ahei, but alas… he lost. He had no choice but to set Ashima free.

While the two love-birds were celebrating their success by a pool, Azhi cursed some evil spell and drowned Ashima. Thereafter, she turned into a pillar of stone. Pathetic? At least she wasn’t salty k.

Anyway, in order to remember this romantic love legend, all women in Kunming, regardless of petite or not petite, are called Ashima. Same for the men, which are known as Ahei Ge.

Dad, the new tour guide.

Another piece of rock.

Knock and you'll hear a strange hollow sound.

Why is everyone sitting like that?

Ok, enough of pebble stories.

We had lunch at "qi4 cai3 yun2 nan2", do not know the English name for this. It was located in a beautiful spacious park with shops built along the inner road, forming a wide spread of circle: Stores selling JADES, groceries, CDs, souvenirs, crystals, herbs, clothes, fruits and many more. This was where we bought that hard-core rice wine, beef jerky and audio CDs.

Waterfalls can be seen from afar.

This was taken in the compound itself.

Our next destination was a silk manufacturing outlet. They showed us the process of silk making, from extracting larvas to weaving the delicate fabric. We were also brought into what seemed like a showroom, chairs were arranged facing one decorative catwalk. Minutes later, about 6 to 7 long legged models paraded onstage. Of course, with a variety of silk outfits: Night gowns, cheong sam, qi2 pao2, evening wears, baggy pants and pajamas. They treated us like kings, and then started slaughtering. Kor Kin ended up buying a faminine purple blouse.

We had an expensive dinner in a large ballroom that night. The food was delicious, too wide variety cramped into one meal though. All together 20 courses mom? Anyway, they first served noodle soup, followed by prawns, then beef satay, some strange looking eggs, crickets, chicken soup, rice (pulut), vegetable soup, bacon, chicken kebab, salad, tofu, fish, stuffed man4 tou2 served with condensed milk and dada dadada…

A cultural performance was on the go. Didn’t get the most out of it though, we were busy gorging food. Waiters were walking by, didn’t get a satisfying view of that lady in peacock suit. I rate 6 out of ten.