Shopping & Dining

The group rose early and departed for the rainy bus ride back to Kunming.  But before we were done with Jianshui we had to stop for "Across the River" noodle soup.  It is one of the dishes famous in this area.  The difference is the noodles are added later instead of being cooked in the broth.  I guess it prevents them from getting soggy.  You add all sorts of things to the very hot soup: raw egg, raw chicken (both cook instantly), pork skin, tofu, congealed blood (looks like brown tofu), hot pepper, vegetables etc.

Upon arriving in Kunming, we had lunch at a Muslim restaurant - a large population in this part of the country, and then spent the rest of the afternoon shopping.  Jade is particularly well known in this region - most of the people you see are wearing at least one piece.  Any thoughts I'd had about picking up a few items for gifts or myself were quickly squelched when I realized that jade is more expensive than any jewelry I've ever priced (which admittedly is few).  Even a plain jade bracelet from a street vendor cost $100.  Once you walked into a reputable store, the price could climb to $10,000.  I have no idea why.  I was told the prices have doubled in recent years - I suppose similarly to how gold has also increased.


Some of our group had spent the afternoon touring and meeting with administrators at the Kunming hospital and so it made sense that we would be hosted for our farewell dinner.  The restaurant was located in a beautiful old multi-floored ornate wooden building with center courtyard and lit paper lanterns.  This was probably my second favor meal - but unfortunately was too stuffed to really do it justice.  But I did manage to try fried bees - which besides their unnerving resemblance to the living creature did not consist of much more than a crispy fried exterior (the top dish.  The other three are goose liver, goose stomach, and a root).