We haven't been walking in the hills close to Qingtian recently as we've been gallovanting here there and everywhere. We also haven't seen much of each other as we've been gallovanting here there and everywhere so today with the weather clear and fine (read this bloody freezing) we decided to climb one of two hills we still haven't conquered in Qingtian.

I called Wang Dan to ask if she wanted to come along so the three of us took off up to a temple near the west bridge . Of course with no real track Trev and I went mountain goating through step fields and vege gardens only to arrive at the temple the hard way from the opposite direction to a nice stone path. Go figure our orienteering skills have not improved!!!

The first temple was only half way up the hill so we then followed an old man carrying a bamboo pole with groceries hanging from each end up further after he told Wang Dan there is a buddha further up. In fact there was a whole other temple hidden from view where he had worked as the caretaker for 15 years.

Being with the caretaker we had a good sticky beak around, drank from the spring and had a hit of badminton. After a few farewells we headed up the hill further. Of course the two foreigners leading and in different directions we went cross country again only to come to a dead end where we turned back and went the way Wang Dan suggested.

This then put us smack in the middle of a funeral procession. Around 30 people were walking up the road with white sashes across their chest, drums and fireworks going off as they made their way to the temple and the now illegal family grave. Trev and I decided the best thing to do would be veer off and sit on some steps until the procession passed. We tried to look as inconspicuous as possible but failed dismally as the group rounded the corner their eyes averted to us, the band stopped playing, fireworks were still going off and the procession turned to a chaotic rabble.

A few very long minutes passed and we retreated back to the road and down the other side of the hill having witnessed first hand what goes on at a Chinese funeral.