Snapshots of Things I Like

The sight of steamers because they mean one of two things -- buns or dumplings -- and if I'm really lucky, both. Whatever you call these tiny packages of goodness -- dumplings, gyoza, momo, jiao zi, xiao long bao, perogies, gnocchi, ravioli, the list goes on... I love 'em. Thicker skins, thinner skins, fried, steamed, boiled, juicy, soupy, meat or veggie, I appreciate their differences. Pass me a plate of tasty ones and they're sure to bring a smile to my face. Mm...

Mountains. Snow-capped, craggy, tree-covered, bare. I'm pretty much certain to raise my head, spread my arms and drop my jaw in awe. Purty.

Cute dogs. Especially when they're found in unexpected places. At our hostel in Dali, we looked up onto the roof to find, not one, but two St. Bernards. And three German Shepherds. I guess they're not afraid of heights. The question is, do they always land on two feet?

Happy people dancing. On two recent occasions, we've stumbled across masses of people dancing outdoors. The first time, a group of elderly Naxi women in traditional dress, dancing to folk music. In time, in rhythm. Holding hands. Laughing, smiling but also watching intently to follow the steps. The second time, we were in Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-la. Wandering through the old city on our way back to our hostel, what should we find but the main square filled with the sound of music and seemingly everyone in town. Old ladies, young ladies, men and children danced together in festive and harmonious celebration. Those not dancing watched from the outskirts or from balconies and windows above. We smiled as a small boy before us crashed continually into his mother's bum, not yet quite in tune with when to go forward and when to go back, but oh, he thought it was funny.

The kindness of strangers.
"Have some plums," the landlady at our hostel in Lijiang said. "Do you like them? I'll get you some more tomorrow." Her cousin who took us to eat noodles and cancel my plane ticket, and her cousin's husband who drove us to the mountains, noting that horseback riding is "good fun for you young people." The man who directed us, unasked, to the public bus in Shangri-la while we were standing in front of a taxi stand. The Naxi mama who offered us a big smile and fresh mint tea. Jane, the chilled out, deep-voiced proprietor who stored our bags for free, gave us a map of the Gorge and refrained from laughing at our enormous meal after the trek. The fellow with the Commie cap who followed us around town in Dali until he was finally able to help us find a bus. The sweet girl in the Lijiang coffee shop, always with a smile on her face and coming back again and again to learn a new word or phrase in English. During our travels in Yunnan, we've encountered more kindness and warm hearted souls than we can count. To all of you, thank you.