Holiday Part One: Southern China

 On October 1st, China has a national holiday celebrating their nation. So on friday the 26th of September, my adventure began. 

That night, Darby and I were to meet her mom at a hotel near the airport. The only problem being we didn't have the Chinese address, therefore we couldn't get a cab and had no way of reaching our destination. Our idea to have the asian woman on our floor translate failed when we knocked... no one was home. As we sat in desperation, I came up with the notion to say a prayer. Just a simple one, that we would be able to safely find our way. We then noticed a car nearby with a woman in it, and decided to take a shot. Thankfully enough, SHE SPOKE ENGLISH! Well some. Her and her husband let us get in their car and they drove us around to find a taxi that would be willing to take us that far, and if not they would take us there themselves. We were so blessed. We eventually made it to our hotel and met up with Darby's mom and the next morning we flew to Guilin. 

We landed and just hung out at the hotel because we were all exhausted. Sunday we began our tour to the rice terraces which are BEAUTIFUL! 

Seriously China is the most beautiful country. 

We also went to this long haired tribe show which was interesting and hilarious and these ladies had THE longest hair. They don't cut it until they are 18 and then they hide it and the first person to see is their husband.

haha China is the weirdest. 

Monday we went on the Li river tour. I honestly can't get over how utterly amazing God's creations are. 

Then we went on serious bamboo rafts in Yangshuo. It has the man pushing it with a stick and everything. They even took us down mini waterfalls. 

Apparently it's a great place to get your wedding pictures taken. Nevermind that your dress will get soaked!

That night we went to a Chinese wax museum on the main street. I have no regrets. 

Tuesday we went to these mud caves where you can swim in a pool of mud and then visit a hot springs after, IT WAS AMAZING. However, out of fear of dropping my camera into a large dark pile of mud, there are unfortunately no pictures. 

That my friends, was southern china! More about my mom and sister visiting and Beijing later!