Photos in Kunming, Yunnan, China

Returning to Canada from Thailand, it was necessary to transit through China, Kunming in Yunnan Province specifically, to meet old friends ... not especially to be a tourist, but I usually carry a camera, and here are the results.

Firstly, meet very good friends for dinner.

Then, tour the reconstructed old city (Yes, that's Starbucks).

Retaining parts of the ancient architecture will look fantastic as they become restaurants and guesthouses upon completion.

But don't let the police catch you.

Or the Peoples Liberation Army ... as they guard their recruitment post (Really).  I apologize for the tilt as I tried to hide the camera.

While we reflect upon things.

Before returning to look out of our hotel window at 'Cuihu' Green Lake' in the centre.  Note, my favourite restaurant, the 'Bluebird', in the bottom right corner.

Next day, a trip to the countryside. 

Where we stumble upon a rarely-visited new construction.  It is being privately-built by a rich publisher leading to his new library of ancient newspapers (See previous photo).  Note, the construction of a new Kunming city in the background.

We return to the park to enjoy the dances of a rural ethnic group.

In another part of the same park, the local people are doing their daily exercise.

And, on the same day, a semi-professional troupe give another display (These groups can be seen almost every day).

There are always amusing notices to photograph,

... and choirs to sing with.

And things to reflect upon.

And time to pose. 

And time to be a weird foreigner.

And time to say 'Goodbye'.

Click each photo to enlarge