10 May
8:20am departure from Changi Airport to Kunming on Silkair. After within 4 hours of flying, we arrived at Kunming Airport...... within the city...reminded me of the old Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport. Immigration was swift as we were the only flight. Luggage claim took a while though......
Coming out of the arrival hall, Xiao Bei was already waiting for me. Took about 20mins taxi ride from Airport to the Hotel - New Era Hotel.
Hotel is located right in the city centre. Check in was smooth and was given room 823. After leaving the luggage in the room,l went out to buy some stuff - shampoo, shower cream, etc. Lots of shoppings and eateries surrounding the hotel. Very convenient. Had steamed dumplings of many flavours at a nearby eatery. Not too bad.
Waited for Stephen to wait and then passed him the stuff to bring to his Cousin's place.
Spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the city before getting ready for dinner. Dinner with Stephen's relatives. 30mins'walk from the hotel and finally reached the restaurant.
Lots of dishes to eat.....though not many suited my palate.....still it was an experience.
Found the room stuffy.....aircon not cold enough. went out for a walk and when back the aircon still not cold..... managed to change room to 816.....much cooler!~
11 May
Breakfast spread was fantastic! So much to eat! Its like lunch! My favourite!
Got ready to meet Xiao Bei and the Cousin who was bringing us to Stone Forest. The journey was rather smooth and we managed to get into Stone Forest FOC - thanks to the Cousin's connection! Stone Forest is a famous attraction and it's a must visit place! well, we did the tourist stuff and spent some time walking through the reserve...so tiring!
On the way back, we stopped at Yiliang for the famous roast duck...it was..........DELICIOUS! Must try!
Spent the rest of the afternoon, walking through the alleys, streets of shops nearby the hotel. So much to see.......so much to eat! Went to a place for foot reflex. The deal included the arms and the neck.
Decided to have steamboat for dinner. Went to a restaurant nearby. Managed to find a table when the cooler was blowing towards. Most restaurants in Kunming have not aircon. The default steamboat looked impressive with many port bones and stuff. The extra ingredients were, however, a disappointment. Did not enjoy the meal.
12 May
A relaxed day... decided to explore the city further, instead of going to some other attraction further out. Stopped at a old temple and spent some time at the garden at 翠湖 , soaking in the lifestyles of the local. It was very interesting!
Spent the afternoon exploring further and visited the food street but did not managed to get anything! Tasted the local steamed corn and found it delicious.
Visited a few supermarkets along the way too!
Dinner at a local restaurant - we had 过桥米线...it was tasty, nothing fantastic, though. Then, decide to visit the night market 昆都 which turned out to be their local bar / night clubs scene...d
13May
A relaxed morning before catching my flight back to Singapore.
The trip has been an eye opener for me. Looking at the locals living their lives, makes me realise how fortunate I am.
-------------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------
