Yangshuo

This weekend we went on our first vacation! We left on Thursday night expecting to take a sleeper for the expected 12 hours..well the bus was not a sleeper and the 12 hours turned into a 3 am wake up call. So we got there..but it was 3 am. We knew we were not far from west street and where our hostel was so we decided to walk. Turns out our hostel was impossible to find in the dark..like impossible. So we found a random hotel that looked nice and walked into the lobby. The night receptionist looked up from behind his desk then went back to sleep..such a blessing. We were able to relax and we also got to use the hotels free wifi to get better directions to our hostel. So when the sun just started rising we were ready to go.

 Turns out we were SUPER close. But it also turns out our hostel was up a sketch ally. SKETCH. Finally we got checked in and went to get some breakfast..American breakfast. Don't get me wrong I love the school food but noodles and rice for breakfast just don't cut it. 

Also look at this view from the rooftop of our hostel. 

After breakfast we met up with the other girls and went to the mud caves! 

After mud caves we did some more walking on West Street. By day it is a nice place to barter and shop around..by night.. It turns into party central. 

After accidently going to a gay bar and getting kicked out (we don't speak Chinese.) We decided to end our adventure at McDonald's and head to bed. 

Saturday:

Hiked to beautiful moon hill. To get there we walked to the bus station and found a tuktuk. The driving is insane. But sooo fun. And these mountains are amazing!!! 

The rest of the day was chill. Me and Clara explored down by the river. It was so cool.

After dinner we decided to enjoy the shopping and crazyness of west street..I have never seen so many people on one street before. We also got fish pedicures!! Tickeles like crazy but hey, it's an experience everybody needs! 

Sunday:

Our last day and probably the best. We rented bikes and rode over to the river to do some bamboo rafting. Everyone has heard how insnane Chinese streets are ya? Now imagine riding a bike. Holy Cow. It was so fun. Weaving in and out of cars was a little terrifying at first Haha but so fun. 

Once we got there we left our bikes at the bottom and hitched a ride up on a ..,well I actually don't know what you would call it..it was a vehicle. 

Once we were up there we met up with the other girls and got ready to float! Each boat had a driver and not to be biased..but me and Clara defs got the best one. I mean..he let me drive, push? Paddle? Whatever. A lot harder then it looks. 

After the rafting we rode our bikes back and got some dinner! It's funny, we have had a lot of Western food this trip because we were in such a touristy spot but my favorite dinner was the Chinese! It was definitely westernized a bit but it was sooo good. Guys. I love China.  Although today I found out China sun does not love me. SO BURNT. -pray for me. 

Also can I say how much I just love these girls? We are going to have an amazing 5 months that is for sure. 

We had such an awesome time! And I found out I am quite the barterer..even though I didn't even want anything haha. I would ask how much something was just out of curiously really, but they thought I was interested. On more then one occasion I had the shop keeper running down the street after me trying to make a deal. But for some reason it was only me. Maybe they knew I was weak. But hey. I got a dress, wallet, Toms(prob fake)  and a big Buddha for 215 yuan. So like 33 dollars. I thought that was pretttty sweet. I also found out that if I wear my hair in a bun less people ask to take pictures of me. I guess when my hair is up they can't see that my hair is lighter. Soooo hair in a bun everyday it is! Jkjk it isn't that bad. Bit of a self esteem booster haha. Well first vaca was a success! I am excited to get back home and start teaching again! Because I mean how can you not miss these faces..