I have less than ten minutes to pound this entry out before we head out for the ice field. So please excuse any typos, lack of wit or otherwise verbal incontinence.

If you’re heading out to Shangri-la in search of paradise, I have only two pieces of advice. First, you might want to adjust your expectations. Second, make sure you get enough rest to stay awake on the bus ride there. Because in my mind, the road winding through the countryside and up the mountain – is as close to paradise as you can get. In Asia. Ok, maybe just China.

The scenes remind me something of Costa Rica, on the way up to Monte Verde, winding through the cloud forest. But better. Instead of an overall mist, the clouds hover just a few feet above the ground. And instead of being sandwiched by the rainforest, the road winds through the side of the mountain, leading straight into a rice-terraced valley, speckled with wildflowers.

Once in Shangri-la, we braved the rain and rode horses in the grasslands, led by the Zhang minority. Ethnic Tibetans in China, but with their own dialect and differences in culture. Consulting “le Lonely” (we’re traveling with five french friends, and have taken to speaking in exaggerated french accents, especially when referring to The Lonely Planet guide) we visited an incredible Tibetan temple, reminiscent of the Potala Palace. This really whet my appetite for visiting the rooftop of the world.

We’re back in Lijiang tonight, where the group is splitting off after visiting the glacier near by (in July? what?!). I’m going to try to get myself up to a Tibetan village tomorrow, about two hour drive away from here, and after this, back on the Knight Bus and off to Kunming. Hooray for 9 hours in cramped (moving) quarters with smokers. Don’t get me started on the smokers.

Sending you all much love from the Ricetrail!

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