Flutes

July 29, 2012

Near our hotel in Kunming was a little market. In the little market were many little stores. Among these was a flute (and other little trinkets) store.

Leica M9, Leica Summicron 50mm, ISO 500, f/2.8, 1/60 sec

Tea

July 28, 2012

As with our previous trips to China we have hired guides and drivers to take us through the main part of our trip. The reasons are partly a hang over from many years ago when travel in China was more easily navigated with a tour, coupled with ensuring effective use of time.

The downside is that many guides will try to up-sell / cross-sell other events along the way. Sometimes these are visiting a store the specializes in something, like jade, carvings, etc. It could be seeing a show. On this day we were asked if we wanted to attend a tea ceremony. Kunming is well know for tea. We went and of course we bought some tea. The ceremony was conducted by a gracious woman who had a Masters Degree in tea and her understudy seen below.

Leica M9, Leica Elmarit-M 28mm, ISO 800, f/4.0, 1/30 sec

West Hill

July 27, 2012

Unlike many of the areas we visited, West Hill was relatively quiet and free from the mobs of tourists.

The trails are closer to the top of the mountain. We reached them by bus and chairlift. From the departure point we walked the paths that offered views of the Lake and Kunming beyond. There were several buildings along the route, including Yuhang Pavilion.