Day 117 to 120 Project Lights in the Darkness

After the first night in my hostel, I feel a bit better. The initial shock is over. So I set out to explore Kunming a bit. It took a 45-minute metro ride to get to the city center.

First, I strolled down the market streets and had to get used to being stared at from all sides again.

A popular attraction in Kunming is the 'Green Lake Park,' a small lake in the city with smaller islands.

The park was very beautifully designed. It was bustling with activity, as everyone used it as a recreational area.

But the real highlight of the park was not the lake, but the various dance groups in the squares. From traditional folk dance to hopping around and waltzing, everything was being danced. Sometimes in smaller or larger groups, but also alone. It was quite entertaining to watch.

In the evening, I met up with Bia, the reason why I traveled to Kunming. We met last year in Brazil on the cave expedition 'Project Lights in the Darkness.' She was taking an advanced course in hydrogeology in Karst in Kunming, and after this course, we plan to travel through Southeast Asia together for one month.

The next day, as part of her course, Bia presented the finished book of the project. I was able to attend the presentation and see the finished book for the first time. It's simply amazing.

For those who want to learn more about the project and the book: http://luzesnaescuridao.com.br Some images from the book and behind-the-scenes videos provide a fascinating insight into the project.

The rest of the time in Kunming, while Bia was still in her course, I used to prepare and gather information for our next stages.

I had lost some interest in going out and exploring Kunming and spent a lot of time in Bia's hotel room, which was much nicer than mine, researching about Thailand.

Although, I still have one story to tell. I had decided not to change the 'hostel' since it was already paid for. But I only wanted to spend the night there. One evening, when I was on the last metro, which leaves at 10:30, so not really late, and on the 45-minute ride back to my hostel, a young Chinese woman approached me and asked if she could take a photo with me. So we took a selfie together. Then something happened that I didn't expect. Many of the young Chinese around me started to stand up and also wanted to take a photo with me. In the end, a line of about 20 people formed in the metro, all wanting to take a photo with me...

Well, tomorrow we will leave China. I am curious to see what awaits me in Thailand.