Tuesday Cassie and I attempted to trek around the famous purple mountain. It was a relatively short walk over to the base of the mountain from the teachers dorms and we found the ski lift with relative ease. So far so good. It was about a 15-20 minute ride up to the top and the view of the the city and mountain ranges in the distance were a sight to see. We got off the lift and walked along a rocky path up to the highest point of the mountain. We took a break, had lunch, and snapped some pictures.
From here things took a literal as well as figurative decline considering how smoothly things had been going so far. We attempted to help a German couple try to find their way around. They had a map of the mountain but were probably as lost as we were. We both set off along what seemed to be the most promising pathway. Along the way came to a fork in road with arrows in English pointing to where things were supposedly located.
Cassie and I were both intrigued to head in the direction of Ming era ancient ruins. The pathway consisted of baseball sized rocks, a sprained ankle waiting to happen. After heading along this pathway for 15 minutes or so with no indication of the end being in sight we turned and headed back for the main drag.
We continued down this main road for awhile. All along the way we saw signs pointing off in different directions but no indication of how far away the sights were. After veering off onto an even narrower path that misleadingly lead to a locked gate we decided to just start heading back home.
By this time it was getting later on in the afternoon and although it cooled off, the drop in temperature gave rise to an unrelenting swarm of gnats and mosquitoes thirsty for laowai (foreigner) blood and sweat.
Having not brought enough money for a return back down the mountain, as well as still holding onto a sliver of hope we might actually see an attraction, we decided to take the stairs down the side. The stairs surely predated any form or surveying equipment because they were windy, jagged, and unlevel. Our legs were put to the test once again trying to make it down without having them give.
I could carry on for several more paragraphs about how we eventually found the entrance to Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, which had an outrageous ticket price. Or how we walked forever trying to find a taxi,bus stop, or anything familiar. But I think everyone gets the point.
On the upside, we made it. We also now have a better idea of where things are on the mountain. Next time we'll be more knowledgeable and better prepared.
As for the German couple...We'll never know.
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