Here’s a little more from Melanie Katzman following the recent China Open Quest…
Yunnan Province (Lijiang, Baisha Village, Dali via Shaxi Old Town, Kunming) and onto Guiyang
I’m at the airport on the way to Guiyang to meet my partner and deal pal Kenzie Kwong to go up to the Leishan mountain town tonight and then onto a Miao village tomorrow, where we will join some Leaders’ Quest Fellows to celebrate a special Miao New Year which happens every 13 years. I have been to this village before and can attest to its tradition and remoteness – or at least that was the case two years ago but in China things change fast!
This is a beautiful region with landscapes that inspire tacky (and fine) Chinese scrolls. The towns I have visited in the last three days are known for snow-capped mountains, lakes with lovely boats and a huge pick up/disco scene. Imagine serene sights by day and Tibetan karaoke by night.
The minority groups I came to Yunnan to see this weekend are only in traditional dress at the market, where I went yesterday. 
But these last three days have been more a cultural lesson in China does Miami than it has been on preserving the sovereignty of minorities. (I have learned that creating these resort towns is the way to generate alternative income other than rice and corn and thus preserve minorities….)
It’s three days after we finished our China Open Quest and I feel like I’ve been away for a long time. I took only carryon luggage. I am now wearing very interesting combos of clothes. Can you smell me back home?
Dangerous driving, hot pots and mahjong
The journey took us 3.5 hours, partly due to a missed exit – the Chinese put exits only where there are towns, the towns are an hour a part. While I endured the driver driving backwards for a couple yards on the dark highway, I lost it when he tried to turn around and drive in the opposite direction of oncoming cars! Fortunately, Kenzie agreed it was suicide and told him we would pay extra to drive in the right direction.
Arrived late but in time for hot pot and a climb up five flights of stairs to my room that of course has no heat but does have a mahjong table! Tomorrow we all stay in the farmer’s house but tonight we are in “town” as the big parade is tomorrow.
More on the Miao New Year soon..!