Pan-Asian Gallivanting

Once back in Shangri-La Alek and I returned to our hostel from a few days before and then ventured out into the city’s old town. We stumbled upon the town square where locals were dancing (to keep warm, for exercise, or both). Since we were in a jolly mood we joined them….adding our own style of western dance to the mix. It wasn’t pretty but it sure was fun viewing the facial reactions of the locals as we attempted to dance.

After that we went to a disco club that we had been to the last time we were here. It is very odd because the bar is filled with Tibetans wearing western clothing, dancing to bad retro-disco music and drinking like fish. After about an hour of dancing they stopped the music and then began to take turns singing traditional songs. I recorded numerous songs so you’ll be able to hear them once I return. But, they closely resemble Native American chants back home.

The following day we rented bikes for half of the day and then went to the famous monastery in town (I forgot the name but it is very famous and the only on inside Shangri-La…just google it). Once again we snuck into this attraction and walked around for a couple hours taking photos.

The following day Alek and I went on our own ways. He to Dali and I to LiJiang. But, he’s heading south into Vietnam like me so maybe our paths will cross again?