FRAGRANT HILL

Last Saturday I woke up thinking we were going on a short leisurely hike. I put on comfy clothes, piled into our bus, and fell asleep. I woke up outside a village, dragged my butt to the base of the hill, and was told I was going to climb this hill.

That not so clear thing in the background

On our way to the steps at the base of this hill. There was beautiful scenery placed there to make you forget the torture that you are about to put yourself through.

I got to the base of stairs and realized I was about to climb 2, 300 steps up a steep hill and my heart dropped.

To make a long story short (I have to finish packing for our trip) I climbed those long steps in about 2 and a half hours. I got to the top, felt victorious, and took a ton of pictures with Asian people. (Asian tourists from country sides don't normally see non-Asians. So when they see someone that looks different, they like to take pictures with them.)

We ran down the mountain (Well, most of my group ran. I decided a leisurely pace would suffice.) and found a beautiful pond.

We somehow decided that more walking would be a good idea and went to a visit a Buddhist temple that was built on stairs. (Another 300 steps! Yay!)

Yep. That's my hill in the background

Then we went back down to our van and went to bed.

All complaining aside, it was a fun trip and I had fun going up the hill. I met a ton of people and got to talk and pantomime with them. My calves have now forgiven me and are ready to work just in time for our next hike in a few days. (Wish me luck!)

I have to apologize, I thought I could get another post up before I left for my trip and it doesn't look like its going to happen. So, i'll have to tell you about my daily life and my trip when I come back.

Take care.