Kruses in Yangshuo

After Longsheng, we took a four hour car ride to Yangshuo. Yangshuo is a small city surrouded by beautiful karst formations. It is known for being a backpacker town and the preferred choice for most foreigners who visit the area (as opposed to the bigger tourist city, Guilin, that the Chinese prefer to visit).

First we took a trip down west street. It is named for the western food primarily available in the small cafes lining the quaint, traffic-free street. We drew attention as usual.

Michaela made a friend. Isn't she adorable?

The next day we hired a car to take us to see the area. It was raining on and off and Mr. Kruse did not think he'd fit on the Chinese-made and Chinese-sized bikes so commonly used to sight see the area. First we saw the beautiful Li river

Family picture in front of the Li river.

The area is surrounded by rice paddys.

The village on the other side.

Strange touristy activities on the river. This is one where you get into and inflated ball and float along while rolling in a small amount of water. Everyone says it is a lot of fun. I thought it was way too cold to get wet, but some people were giving it a try.

Next, we went to visit the old town. It was a long and back-achingly bumpy ride. With all the jarring bumps, I was actually worried for the safety of the baby. The old village seemed really poor and mostly dirty.

Sharing the road.

They really didn't have much, but everyone did have a TV which seemed out of place in these ancient open-air houses.

An adorable, sweet old lady with crooked teeth.

It was then time for lunch. I was famished so I ordered a 10 course meal that took an hour to get to the table and ended up only half-eaten. At least everything tasted pretty good.

Leonardx3 waiting for the meal.

Next stop was a complete tourist trap which ended up being the place Michaela liked best. At least the silly, stupid activities were inexpensive.

Hand-made flower hat for 30 cents.

Sit on a decorated horse -- 50 cents.

Sit with ridiculously-dressed monkeys -- 1 dollar.

Dress like an ancient Chinese princess for another dollar.

Meet other princesses -- free!

Last stop -- see moon hill -- a strange formation that has a moon-shaped hole in it.