We journeyed through the Yunnan countryside as we headed for Dali and Xi Zhou. Scenic hills and valleys alternated like Yin and Yang to weave a brocade-like landscape.. Yunnan is suffering from a severe drought, the worst in 80-100 years. Normally the climate is more like a temperate rain forest; but even with drought, it was still very scenic. During the ride, we listened to our Five Elements healing meditation from the Touched by the Tao meditation CD.
We ate lunch in Dali Xia Guan (South Gate, New Dali) at a Bai Restaurant run by the native Bai people. The servers wore traditional Bai clothes and head pieces. At first you might think they dressed up in their ethic costume for your benefit. However, “their costume” is what they wear every day!
After lunch we arrive at the Linden Centre, a beautiful restored courtyard home located in Xi Zhou, a village outside of Dali. It is run by American couple, Brian and Jeanne, who relocated here and renovated the property. They received the first lease of its kind in China to restore an old courtyard home into a hotel. The center is now the top rated hotel in China. Staying here takes you back to another time.
