I find CNY to be one of the nicest times to be in KM - as blobbles said, the streets quiet down quite a bit, which is always a pleasant change of pace.
GoKunming will put together something about which venues are open and which are closed during the holiday. (Attention local cafe/restaurant/bar owners: please send us your CNY plans as soon as they're decided.)
I read something about test runs for larger jets in the near future, but it does seem to be shrouded in uncertainty. Better than opening before it's ready, I suppose.
If, as I was recently, you're in a taxi with a new driver who doesn't know their way around the city so well, make sure they don't take the exit marked "Airport Expressway" on Erhuan Dong Lu heading south... that'll take you to the new airport.
I will always remember that morning... oddly, it was one of the most beautiful blue skies I've ever seen in Kunming.
It was pretty amazing that nobody was hurt or killed other than the bomber. Was also amazing how quickly you guys got the restaurant up and running again.
I remember the notes of encouragement and support (written by Chinese and foreigners) that spontaneously appeared on your door afterward. They were all heartfelt and real.
I think what that day did for myself and perhaps others was forcefully remind us that nothing in life, including life itself, is ever guaranteed - a lesson that should never be forgotten.
I'm sure Christmas Eve will always be slightly uneasy for you guys, but the coolest thing that came out of that whole situation was that after considering wrapping things up, you all decided to bring Sal's back - for the staff, for the community and for yourselves. Quitting would have been so much easier - good on all of you for not giving in to fear or hatred.
@Danmairen: Thanks for the kind words. Regarding CQ's population, you are correct. I leave out terms such as "municipality" or "prefecture-level city" when I feel their omission will not confuse readers.
@Ocean: More cars on the road is fine for me, as long as the sidewalks aren't full of electric bikes. Definitely not trying to "hang a goat's head and sell dog meat" but I did genuinely enjoy the Chongqingness of Chongqing. That said, I was certainly pleased to be back in Kunming afterward.
Congratulations to GoKunming reader Michael Holmes, who is the winner of the Pullman Lijiang getaway.
Michael is studying bees at Yunnan Agricultural University, his harrowing tales of bee attacks and his dedication to scientific pursuits warmed our cold, cold hearts.
Of the more than 80 entries we received, there were several that would have won - had they sent their phone numbers as instructed in the giveaway rules.
Thanks to everyone who entered, we wish we had more vouchers to give away this time, but we're planning on more giveaways in the future, so watch this space.
My favorite Tengchong-style restaurant in Kunming. Their ersi and erkuai are trucked over from Tengchong and are the real deal — Kunming ersi and erkuai do not compare.
The restaurant itself is a bit jumbled, but there are a couple of tables outside in the courtyard that are nice to sit at when the weather's pleasant.
Don't believe them when they say they don't have lufu.
Getting Away: Chongqing
Posted by@Danmairen: Thanks for the kind words. Regarding CQ's population, you are correct. I leave out terms such as "municipality" or "prefecture-level city" when I feel their omission will not confuse readers.
@Ocean: More cars on the road is fine for me, as long as the sidewalks aren't full of electric bikes. Definitely not trying to "hang a goat's head and sell dog meat" but I did genuinely enjoy the Chongqingness of Chongqing. That said, I was certainly pleased to be back in Kunming afterward.
Getting Away: Shuanglang
Posted byThis is an interesting look at the recent changes in Shuanglang:
www.christaylorwriter.com/blog/item/7/changes_lakeside
Giveaway: Two nights at the Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Posted byCongratulations to GoKunming reader Michael Holmes, who is the winner of the Pullman Lijiang getaway.
Michael is studying bees at Yunnan Agricultural University, his harrowing tales of bee attacks and his dedication to scientific pursuits warmed our cold, cold hearts.
Of the more than 80 entries we received, there were several that would have won - had they sent their phone numbers as instructed in the giveaway rules.
Thanks to everyone who entered, we wish we had more vouchers to give away this time, but we're planning on more giveaways in the future, so watch this space.
Kunming in 1944: The photos of Dr Clinton Millett
Posted by@RyanChris: please send links if you have them... many of our readers can read Chinese
Kunming in 1944: The photos of Dr Clinton Millett
Posted by@Chicanohek: Here are some interesting photos of WWII-era Chongqing:
www.china-underground.com/[...]