Back in the First World

After a month of bumpy eight hour minibus rides and having to hold my breath every time I stepped into a bathroom, I'm finally back in the first world. I returned to Macau a few days ago and am now in Hong Kong.

For the record, in the past month, I tripped from Chengdu to Kangding to Danba to Xingduqiao to Litang to Daocheng to Yading to Daocheng to Shangrila to Qiaotou to Shuhe to Lugu Hu and finally to Lijiang.

Although I had a fantastic time, I must admit that I do like my modern conveniences. My first night back in Macau, I went out for some conveyor belt sushi. The next night, I finally got around to watching Inception on the big screen. In Hong Kong, I had breakfast at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Hong Kong skyline with some friends visiting from back home.


On the other hand, there is a bit of a sticker shock adjustment when it comes to the cost of living. Over the course of the last month, traveling all over Sichuan and Yunnan, I spent less than $800. In Macau, I donk off more than that on any given hand of poker. One night at my very modest hotel here in Hong Kong, could pay for weeks out in the middle of China. The price of my crappy breakfast of fruit and pastries at the Hong Kong Sheraton could have probably fed a small Chinese village for months! OK, maybe not the last one.

Now, after a few days of rest and relaxation, I get to do it all over again.

My mom just flew out to Hong Kong to visit me and I'll be back on the road traveling with her for the next two weeks. This time around we'll be staying primarily in non barnyard-conversion accommodations.