Life at high elevation is harsh and often a fight for survival. Strong winds, low temperature and snow in summer are common. It is therefore fascinating to see what species have adapt to grow at these elevations.
Today we did field work at 4200m. We had to walk the last couple of meters and I could feel the elevation with every step. We recorded phenology and I had time to explore the beauties growing in this harsh environment.
If in Chengdu, eating hot pot is a must. You can get it elsewhere in China, but Chengdu is known for very good hot pot. The name explains what it is: a pot full of spices. The chilis swim on top and the Sichuan pepper makes your toungue go numb so that you can eat more spices.
Chinese people put in all kinds of things in the hot pot. Mainly meat. Ham, pork, chicken, chicken head and pig brain (this is essential). My hosts were kind enough to order lot’s of tofu and vegetable for me. But yes there were duck feet in the pot.
Today I felt like I was in heaven. I had the best thing in the world! Sushi Chinese style. Can it get any better than this?
It was raining the whole day, but Li and I visited the over 2000 year old Dujiangyan irrigation system, which is still in use today. Then we went to Quigchen Mountain, another UNESCO world heritage site. The Mountain is one of the 4 most sacred mountains of Taoism.
This is our new chest of drawer. It was built some time ago, but the sheep and pig buttons have just arrived. The whole chest of drawer was carefully planed, made and painted. It is specially designed to fit under the big TV screen. The drawers are taken from an IKEA cupboard. The lower drawer is shorter than the upper drawer, so that the plug socket on the wall does not come in the way.
So now we have a sheep and a pig in the living room, watching us, watching GoT.
Not that it’s rainig at the moment, but the rain will be back…
Spiders probably don’t like spider jokes. So, it might not be a good idea to make a a spider joke , when you share the bedroom with a tarantula.
But did you know a spider can hold 8 guns…
