Dali, China

I really like Dali. There's something very comforting about it. Last night I enjoyed a fantastic wood-fired pizza, a movie on the flat screen TV at the guest house, and now, I'm sitting in a coffee shop, next to a wood fire, warming my hands, listening to a great assortment of American music, drinking a cup of pipping hot Yunnan coffee. This is the first time I've let myself splurge on the indulgences of Western comforts, and its really nice. It's like having a little piece of home when you're just in the mood for something that's not China, not Asia, not foreign.

I spent a good part of today on a rented bike, trying to get to Erhai Lake. While I never quite got to my intended destination, I stumbled upon a bustling, colorful Bai market that captured my attention for at least 2 hours. Villagers were selling everything from tobacco to melon seeds and noodles, to meat, jewelery, and wardrobes. I tasted a few of the odd concoctions that were being sold, however I was never quite able to figure out what I was eating. First was a bowl full of giggly, off-white chunks covered in bitter honey. The texture was like an animal product, but it tasted like soy. Two, bird-like pecks at the goop was enough for me. Next,was an egg-shaped ball of stringy, powder covered hair and nuts. It was an assault on my tastebuds and never made it to my throat. So much for being adventurous!