Tranquility in Chaos.......

Today was the first week of China's Golden Week. National holiday for all. Everyone hits the road and travels from October 1 to the 7th. 2 billion people in chaos. Foreigners are told to just stay out of the way. I had wanted to go to the West Lake in Hangzhou yesterday, but it rained for most of the day and at some points it rained very hard. I didn't do a lot. Caught up on some emails, did some planning, played lots of games on the Ipad. Very unproductive day, but quite enjoyable.
Knew today was going to be hot and busy so I got up early and was

hiking around the lake at 8:00. Supposed to be one of the top 30 sites to see in China. Didn't really have that effect on me. Was a nice lake and had a few good islands with some nice looking pagodas around, but have seen nicer stuff in China that didn't make the list. I think what struck me about this place was its tranquility. Seemed to be a calmness around the lake, while it was typically chaotic everywhere else. Back in the 9th century and was worked on until the 19th century, they started to build islands in the lake and causeways that separated the lake. Why would they do that? My theory says the world in China is so busy with so many people always in each other's space that they needed to create places to getaway and be quietly alone. The problem now is these are places tourists want to go see. Especially the domestic kind! So usually these places are very busy. Throw in Golden Week and a perfect place to stay away from. I hiked for 4 1/2 hours around the lake, out to islands, and into parks/gardens. Found, despite all the people

(there were a lot) the place was relatively quiet and gave me a kind of peaceful feeling. Had an enjoyable time and even returned in the evening for the sunset. Went for a late dinner with a Belgium Muslim fella which ended the day on the right note. The streets were packed and noisy at 9:00 when we returned from dinner. Just wanted to get out of the way and off the streets. Fun to see, but could see this getting old real quick. Have to catch the train to Shanghai tomorrow. Should be fun with all these people travelling. Maybe I need to go to the Lake first to put my mind in the proper zen before tackling the train station. Shanghai will be very interesting! Just hope to get there without issues. Now that we are in October it really tells me how close my China part of the trip is almost over. Tibet very soon and then Nepal. Better rest up for all the hikes coming up.......