Meeting Them VII

The train pulls out of the South Station, far from the citycenter but shiny nonetheless.What curious nourishment is this Nutri-Express? >= 30% Milk... Thick and sweet.
Upon arrival in Hangzhou, the traveler visits the famed West-Lake. Chinese tourists stroll and take pictures -- bonus points for one with a white person! The traveler finds a few young residents, tags along as they hang out by the lake.
The traveler wonders that the lake is still the main attraction, being a bit murky.
Along the way, an important lesson is learned about squatting toilets. They are so far preferred in public places that women stand in line to use them rather than using the free western toilet.
Please, please can we take a picture?! The most excitable co-poser.

A famous bridge... time to find something prettier. First, to inquire at The Jingsheng Youth Hostel (sign in English as well as Chinese). "Nope, we can't take foreigners, just can't." Moving on, she climbs hills, reaches a ridge. Chats with Googlers. Then, a call from a friend! Yun has arrived from Shanghai. Back to the lake for a rendezvous.
After a walk comes a delicious dinner at a famous restaurant on the lake, beginning with Lotus Roots from the lake.
Then, to Yun's grandmother's for relaxation. The grandmother spends her days praying and being sweet, it seems.
She serves breakfast in the morning, and sends the leftovers along with the traveler setting off for Dreaming of the Tiger Spring.

Conversation at the dinner table in Dangjiacun turns to other foreigners who've visited. French, Japanese. Eventually dinner draws to a close and the traveler retires to her room. (Look how neat my stuff is! All packed into one little bag.) After writing in a journal, there is still time before sleep will come. Two more cheerful visitors arrive for a later dinner, and she joins them. The night deepens, the visitors leave, and the traveler finds sleep.