Black Dragon Pool

We went to Black Dragon Pool today and had a beautiful walk through a park. I bought a painting that a guy did with his finger and fist of his hand. This is a major art lovers paradise. We learned all about the Naxi people and their religion of donga. Very interesting stuff. They believe in a Shaman and he was the only one that could read the language and write it. So now to not lose this the Chinese are paying to help keep this alive. We got to see him writing. They made thier books out of a tree that only grows around here so the insects didn't get to the paper and it has lasted for 1,000 years. We then ate another lunch around a lazy susan. with dishes glore. We had our first free time of the trip. of course we spent it shopping. Just to give you someidea of the things I've bought, jade, pearls, silk, pashminas, earrings, batists, tea pot, silk needlework, She told us to write it down when we came but I didn't and now I don't what all is in my huge bag I bought. Have I mentioned Lost Horizon, If I haven't you need to rent it and watch. It's a book by James Hilton about this area. Its a great story that been made into a black and white movie and a musical. More dancing tonight and packing to drive 6 hours on a bus into the mountains, to about 12,000 ft. Zhongdian is the name of the town. See ya soon.