The guy at reception organized a local bus for me and after much talking, I finally got into the little van and we all took off up the mountain. The other occupants were getting exasperated with the driver as she and the hotel guy discussed what to do with me. So, when I got in, I translated “sorry to inconvenience you” but there was absolutely no reaction at all. Ok, let’s move on.
The road climbed steeply and I was immediately pleased that I wasn’t riding. It was a really winding road too. At one point the gruff lady beside me put her hand over her mouth and looked concerned. I knew she wouldn’t vomit on her friend beside her, so I prepared for the worst. Didn’t happen.
We stopped at Xinjiezhen, everyone got out, I paid the lady and I was offloaded to the next guy. Then I sat in the back of his car until he found enough people to make the trip worthwhile. After 15 minutes we were off for at least a few hundred metres, picked up some boxes, took off again, picked up more, then reversed 50m for another pickup. It was all very entertaining.
Off we went again through the rapidly deteriorating conditions. All vehicles had their hahzard lights on and we’re moving slowly. My driver took a call, then did a three point turn on the narrow road. Very sketchy. We went back a few kms and waited for another passenger. While we waited, the driver offered us cigarettes. Er. No thanks. Then he and the other passenger lit up and coughed their way through their smokes. I gave up and stood outside ein the cold.
The passenger turned up and we were on our way again. This time all the way to the first rice terraces site I wanted to visit. The driver just dumped me and left, so I assumed that I could easily hail someone coming past. That didn’t happen either.
The rice terraces were great except for the use of razor wire to keep people on the path. Seriously, it. Wass ridiculous. Terraces done,, now ror get to the next one. The ticket office said there werree no taxis or biaesss bere and wanted nothing to do with me.
Luckily an English guy heard our conversation and offered me a lift on their tour bus. They were just heading off to view the terraces so I had time to continue to organise a lift.
One lady pointed me on one direction, but I suspect she was pointing me to her restaurant, which out of sheer coincidence, I ate in. Back to the ticket office ..
I waited for the English speaking tour which finally returned and went for lunch. Then we were underway at last.
All this whole visibility was improving. The tour bus stopped at the next site – Bada and I thanked them profusely. The tour guide said I should be fine as this was a bus and taxi stop. With that, they did their tour and left.
That was all very well, but there simply were no taxis, so when I returned from the rice terraces, I stood around in the rain. And saw nothing but organized groups and private travellers. It was snow past a joke.
I asked another tour group and they said to call a cab with Didi, but I couldn’t download the app. Luckily, the bus driver arranged a guy to take me back – he was my saviour.
Finally back in town, I needed. A coffee to warm up, do I went to my favourite coffee shop, sat and relaxed.
I was glad I didn’t try and make it to the third site 😁
I learnt a few lessons today but there’s always a solution to travel problems.
