GUANGXI 16: EPILOGUE

And so I've reached the end of my Guangxi experience. To me it has been something of an adventure rather than a break: although at times I was just able to kick back in a bar, restaurant or on the verandah at the hostel, talk, read or write. I planned the entire thing meticulously and apart frome the hostel only taking cash when I arrived, which was easy to resolve anyway, I've had no real problems. It has had its ups and downs. I've met old friends and made new ones, experienced a variety of cuisine, seen some spectacular and fabulous places. I've cycled, hiked and travelled by boat on the river, all the things you are meant to do in Guangxi. I feel quite good about having done all these things: for me to travel solo around China like this feels like an achievement.  I've hit the bars in Yangshuo and Beijing, and had a good time. The one thing I've failed to do is let go of my anxieties altogether and relax: it's hard to do when you are by yourself. At times I've come close, but not entirely.

In the 19th Century adventure stories I read as a boy the travellers come to the end of their adventures having carried away some fabulous treasure or having their lives enriched by the experience or both. For the present, I no longer feel the need to fulfill some ambitious travel agenda. I've done all the things I really wanted to do in China apart from making new art. There is always more to see and do in such a vast and diverse land as this, but for the time being I'm content. I'm glad I do not have to contemplate further marathon train journeys, stressful station transfers or endless queues. I will no doubt confine my China travels to Beijing for the remainder of my time here.

At any rate a romantic version of events is for me, the penetration of an almost prehistoric land which has always held an element of mystery. I've had visions of Guangxi in my head for years. Having been there and experienced it as fully as I can, I feel I have collected some very special memories. My only regret is that Sarah has not been here to share it with me: this journal is my own poor attempt to share the journey with her and others.