Welcome to part 2 of Jamaican in China: Life in Xishuangbanna where Jamaican Walt Goodridge takes us on a journey as he settles into local life in the region's capital of Jinghong. Today, some orientation and a few valuable pointers for newcomers. >>>
Read Jamaican in China: Life in Xishuangbanna (part 1)
My friend, Stacey, in the Bronx, New York, knowing what she knows about my preferences and lifestyle, asked, "where are you now? Up in the hills, somewhere?" Yes, and no. Xishuangbanna is considered "Rural China" in the travel guides, but where I am in Jinghong city, it's a small town (as far as small towns go in China!) surrounded by mountains.
Today's post is just a collage of shots taken during a regular day heading out into civilization:
Typically, after waking up at 5:00 a.m., or 6:00 a.m., checking email, monitoring website sales, handling customer service issues all online, I leave my apartment at about noon, and catch bus #4 to head into town.
Today, however, I'm heading into town on the preferred mode of transportation: the moped! Traveling from the outskirts of town into the heart of the city - view the full video here: http://www.jamaicaninchina.com/images/moped.mp4
The air in Jinghong is definitely cleaner than, um...other places I've been. There's bright sunshine, vegetation, and friendly people. (Same ol' same ol')
The streets of Xishuangbanna
The streets of Xishuangbanna
Chinese Guyanese Ken and his wife visiting from Toronto, Canada, pose with the Jamaican in China on the streets of Xishuangbanna. I've since heard from Ken: "Hi Walt, This is Ken, from Guyana. It was a complete surprise to see a West Indian in XiShuangbanna. My wife and I were looking for an electronics store when you heard us speak English and introduced yourself (we didn't find the store). We are now back in Canada, where it is cold and raining. We had a good time in China!"
Most backpackers doing research online, as well as incidental tourists will have heard about Mei Mei Cafe and Mekong Cafe.
So here are a few photos to help you recognize it when you find it. The street they are on can be a bit tricky to find as Mei Mei changed locations, and so some of the maps and directions on some of the travel sites are a bit outdated. However, if you can find the Banna Hotel on the #4 bus route, you'll be within walking distance of the cafe strip, and you can ask at the hotel for directions.
But those spots are for the tourists, expats, and for those who want life easy--as in, those who want to deal with people who speak English. Me? I prefer a bit of a challenge. Now that I have a kitchen, I don't do my eating out. (No offense, Mei Mei & Mekong) I'll cook for myself. So, for my sustenance, I head to the local markets...
Ahh, yes! Just what I'm looking for! Fresh! Sweet. Ripe. Tender. Soft, and beautifully displayed! A treat for the eyes! ....um, the fruits, you perverts! I'm talking about the fruits!
So, time to do some produce shopping and then head back to the villa for some cooking, "Jamaican Vegan in 'Banna" style! Get your appetite ready!
Come back next week for part 3 of Jamaican in China: Life in Xishuangbanna, where Walt will be digging into his shopping list and sharing some vegan delights, plus his secret to living a healthy life in China.
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