China Journal 6/1/06

Awake at 6am. Did my core exercises. Took my vitamins and bee pollen after showering. Packed and met Michael and Xiao Jing for breakfast on the street. To the bazaar. Looking for soft soy milk. Michael asked a vendor whose response was, "Do you see any"? Michael says, "Again rebuffed as a tourist!" We turned a corner and happened upon a vendor making soft tofu in broth topped with crushed chili pepper, minced cucumber, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and soy beans served in a bowl and eaten with a small metal spoon. So good!
We had a conversation with an old lady in Mao dress and her 83 year old husband. She was a graduate of Beijing University (78 years old). Michael said, "Having that kind of breakfast with such a couple was the "dream" breakfast. (No, I didn't take a picture.)
We bought a steam bun and a thick crepe-like roll to save for lunch, returned to our room for tea and dry fruit. We enjoyed dates which had been soaked in wine and honey. The biggest, most delicious dates we'd ever had. Xiao Jing shared her green tea leaves that she'd bought at the tea shop.
We then packed, checked out, and left to carry (drag) our bags to the shuttle. Xiao Jing very kind and thoughtful to me throughout.
The flight went well. Changed planes once with three hours to wait between. They were unable to accommodate transferring our luggage so we had that task. Plenty of time though. Two things are improvements in the American way. The snacks are 6 inch packages of mild cookies on the three hour flight and the luggage carts are free.
We were greeted at Yunan Airport in Kunming by Xiao Jing's sister Xiao Yun and her husband Da Ping. Much excitement. Her sister is so happy and smiling.
We traveled in two cars to Xiao Jing's younger sister Xiao Yee's apartment, drove through the "gate" and parked in what we feared would be another jammed parking lot. Our bags were brought up the flights of stairs to the fourth floor and goodbyes were made. Xiao Yee's lover has created a Japanese style hide-away implementing Xiao Yee's design. It is very lovely. There are a mix of plants in surprising places, cases of books. Three bedrooms have been redesigned as room for other uses.
We enjoyed sliced guava and crackers, and hot water. It was late when we took clean clothes from our luggage and brought our necessities to the apartment that's been rented for our use for this month. (3000 yuan). It is on the eighth floor of a building about six blocks walk away through piles of refuse strewn along street light areas. It will be collected each morning, it seems the rats are also on a tight schedule here!
The elevation is at about 5,000feet here so I ran out of steam 2/3 of the way up the darkened staircase. The others were carrying their things but slowed considerably as they climbed higher. Xiao Jing notes the smell as we explore the lovely apartment. It is one of cabbage and dampness. It's humid in the area. I believe we'll get used to it. We are told that Xiao Yun (the director of the hospital here) scrubbed this apartment on her hands and knees! Fresh flowers in lovely large vases have been placed for Xiao Jing's enjoyment. I have my own room! There's lots of light through large wide windows.
The plane tickets to Kunming.