1.14 Mysterious Attraction

Shang Simla, China.

 All my life this place has held a mysterious attraction to me and finally, finally I am actually here.

 Sounds of crickets and exotic birds create a melodious backdrop as I breathe in the moisture-laden air. I feel better already.

 The so-called base camp, a cheap hostel, holds no attraction for me right now. I want to explore!

I feel the strong urge to meet someone new, so my first goal is the busy marketplace Shang Simla is famous for.

 Everyone here gets around on bicycles, so I hop on the one provided to me and get on my way.

As I rhythmically push the pedals, I take in the amazing sights around me. The trees, the architecture! I am in awe.

As soon as I get off my bike, I go into one of the market stalls and introduce myself to the first person I see.

His name is Zhan Su and he sends my heart aflutter.

 He is a special merchant here, whatever that means. I am more interested in his intense gaze than any of the wares he has to sell.

Suddenly though, I want to go and buy some souvenirs quickly, before I forget. A fortune cookie machine sounds like just the thing!

While I'm browsing through the various goods, my mind wanders back to Zhan. I really felt like we had a connection, even though we barely exchanged two words. I wonder if our astrological signs are compatible!

Boldly, I go back up to him and ask.

"In your western zodiac?" he answers, "I'm a Gemini."

My smile quickly fades. Gemini. That's neutral to my Virgo. Not good, not bad.

He notices my frown and with a sly grin he says, "People might be superstitious here in Shang Simla, but I need no zodiac signs to tell me when I find a woman attractive."

And my smile is back.

We exchange more playful banter and I flirt confidently - I barely recognize myself!

 But when Zhan starts bragging about his accomplishments as an athlete, I can't suppress a yawn.

 I try to redirect the conversation back to our earlier flirtations, but Zhan rejects my advances. "I don't want to flirt with a woman who is so obviously bored by my interests," he admonishes.

"Shared passions are the seeds of a fruitful courtship," he continues, but I'm having none of this.

 "Gross!" I snap back at him as I walk out the doorway. "Keep your talk of seeds and passion to yourself, buddy."

Of course I get what he is talking about, but he doesn't need to be so annoyingly condescending about it!

I grab a book from the bookstore and sit down in the restaurant to read for a while. Hey, no one is complaining! It must be okay.

Then I realize how stupid I'm being. I can always read at home! Right now I'm in China and I want to see the sights!

I hop on my bike and start pedaling as fast as I can.

On my way, I pass the most picturesque landscapes and my mood immediately lifts again.

I arrive at the Scholar's Garden. It's stunning!

It's so calm and relaxing here. I immediately make my way to the chessboard. Sure, I've maxed out my logic skill, but I've got to keep practicing so I don't get rusty!

Surrounded by beautiful nature and enjoying my solitude, I play for hours, barely noticing the time.

There is always more to learn about the game of chess.

Slowly the sun begins to set.

I think it's getting time to head back to base camp!

Once there, I still have many steps to climb before I get to rest.

What a day! I'm so sleepy already.

I quickly grab something to eat. A tub of ice cream, because why not? I'm on vacation!

Finally, I make my way to one of the tiny rooms and fall asleep as soon as I slip into bed.