Moon Hill

I spent Friday afternoon at one of the "must-see" spots in Yangshuo.  The mountain is called Moon Hill because it has a hole in the middle that resembles the moon.  I biked to the hill which was not a beautiful ride at all.  When I arrived at the gate, I was shocked to be greeted by an old lady trying to sell me stuff. If you have never been to China, you may not have picked up on my sarcasm.  In China, there is an old lady trying to sell you something everywhere you go.  These are not your typical old ladies either.  They drink a B-12 shake in the morning and eat raw eggs in the afternoon or something along those lines.  These ladies are fast - I have seen one chase down a man on a bike.  They are strong - carrying around boxes or coolers all day.  Most importantly, they are persistent.  "NO" is not in their vocabulary.  The rebuttal is their forte.  I have never been so beat down by another human being as I have by these old lady sales people (OLSP).  They are good.  Despite my refusal, this kind OLSP gave me directions up the hill.  For a while, I thought she might have sabotaged me since I turned down her overpriced water and wrinkled postcards, but she gave accurate, brief directions which only included the words "Left. No right. Left".  The walk up took around 30 minutes.  As I began to tire, I looked up and saw a girl wearing 5 inch stiletto heels (see blurry picture) walking up the mountain.  What a woman!!  She inspired me to push ahead despite my burning muscles.  When I reached the top, I had an AHHHHH moment.  The view was spectacular.  You wouldn't believe it if I told you, but there was another OLSP at the top of the mountain with same goods as number one but even more persistence:) I spent some time at the top, soaking in the scenery and taking photos.  Then I clambered back down the hill.  I did not fall even once this time.  I was very proud.  It was a wonderful afternoon on Moon Hill.