Yangshao, Guangxi Province
We flew into Guangzhou from Heathrow and then took an internal flight to Guilin where we were met by a Bob a member of the Buckland group. He helped us get the baggage into the car and started on our journey for Yangshao and the Buckland HQ. We traveled in complete darkness as none of the roads were lit. Occasionally getting a glimpse of mountains or little villages along the way. We arrived just over an hour later in a very quiet dark Yangshao at the 'Happy Hostel' and were shown into our room. The beds take some getting used to as they have no give in them and its like sleeping on a plank of wood. We were given the weekend off to do as we please and get over the Jet-lag and told if we wanted to go to the dining room all of our meals would be provided.
Next morning we were woken by the sounds of children chanting and opened the curtains to see a line of children reciting their English text books. Just across the street we could see the spectacular views of the mountains and remembered we were in China!
Yangshao is a beautiful town (the locals call it a village but its much bigger than UK villages) very westernized and touristy and lots of food and shops catering for the tourists. We visited West Street which is the biggest and busiest street I have ever seen. Full of bars and restaurants and endless streams of people. We took a side street and passed the Bamboo hotel and found our sanctuary 'The Brothers Bar' owned by Master George Gao and his lovely wife Sandy. We spent many nights chatting, playing pool and drinking George's homemade 'Horny wine'. They are such lovely accommodating people and always made us feel very welcome... Sandy even shared their dinner with us!
Orientation started on the Monday with an induction program and opening bank accounts also getting sim cards.
During the week we had to go back to Guilin for a health check which is very rigorous this costs around 285 Yuan which we pay for. A residency permit cannot be issued without it. Once received its back to Guilin to gain the permit from the main police station and also register at the local police station in Yangshao. As international workers the police like to keep tabs on where you are...
We spent 3 weeks in Yangshao and loved every minute of it but the time had come to leave and travel to our place of work so after a 6 hr bus ride we arrived in Shaouyang ... pictures on the next page :)
Next morning we were woken by the sounds of children chanting and opened the curtains to see a line of children reciting their English text books. Just across the street we could see the spectacular views of the mountains and remembered we were in China!
Yangshao is a beautiful town (the locals call it a village but its much bigger than UK villages) very westernized and touristy and lots of food and shops catering for the tourists. We visited West Street which is the biggest and busiest street I have ever seen. Full of bars and restaurants and endless streams of people. We took a side street and passed the Bamboo hotel and found our sanctuary 'The Brothers Bar' owned by Master George Gao and his lovely wife Sandy. We spent many nights chatting, playing pool and drinking George's homemade 'Horny wine'. They are such lovely accommodating people and always made us feel very welcome... Sandy even shared their dinner with us!
Orientation started on the Monday with an induction program and opening bank accounts also getting sim cards.
During the week we had to go back to Guilin for a health check which is very rigorous this costs around 285 Yuan which we pay for. A residency permit cannot be issued without it. Once received its back to Guilin to gain the permit from the main police station and also register at the local police station in Yangshao. As international workers the police like to keep tabs on where you are...
We spent 3 weeks in Yangshao and loved every minute of it but the time had come to leave and travel to our place of work so after a 6 hr bus ride we arrived in Shaouyang ... pictures on the next page :)