Yangshou, China--at last!

Ta-daaa!  Here are SOME of the pictures we took while in Yangshou.  It was very difficult to resist taking pictures of the mountains, so I didn't, and there are lots and lots of shots of the scenery.  I'll try to explain as we go along.  So, without further adieu, here is Day #1 of our trip to Yangshou, China.

We were able to rent bikes for just under $3 a day, so the first day we were feeling vigorous and enthusiastic, despite the intense heat, and we rented bikes and took off to see the countryside.  We found ourselves following the bikes to a park called Moon Hill, which is quite famous in the area.  You'll see a picture of it below.  We hiked it (mid-day), but the views from the top were definitely worth it.
As I mentioned, it was very hot.  You cannot quite appreciate in this picture that my shirt was wet with the sweat that constantly dripped off my body at all times of the day.  My face is quite red, too.

Here is Moon Hill.  We took a rest under the dome in the middle and then proceeded to the top.
At last, the bottom!  And thinking about cool rivers to swim, cold water to drink, a cold shower...  I should mention the water ladies.  The touristy areas were full of farm ladies, and Moon Hill was no exception.  They take with them coolers of cold water and juice and follow the hikers around asking them to buy cold water.  They follow you up the mountain at a distance of about 3-5 feet and then hang out with you at the top.  It is 5 yuan at the bottom of the hill for a bottle of water, and as we found out, 10 yuan at the top.  They look sweet, but they will try to swindle you at every turn!

After a refreshing swim in the Li River, we enjoyed sitting on our hotel terrace, enjoying the last light of the day.  The stars later were also pretty incredible, as we never get to see them in Seoul because of light and air pollution.
And because blogger loads all pictures backwards, here is the sunrise and view from our hotel balcony.  I was so excited to wake up and see this view every morning.

We are awaiting our breakfast.  It was so wonderful to eat all meals outside (except when we were inside, cowering from the heat, but that was only a few occasions).  Our room was directly behind us and up on the second floor.

This is only phase #1 of photos.  Don't despair, there are many more.    We absolutely loved this trip.  We found the locals to be friendly and helpful, the scenery was lovely, and the whole trip was fun and restful.  It's hard to ask for better.