Thunderstorms expected today.. Guess the short Hangzhou spring is over and sunner is really approaching.. temperature is hitting highs of 20+ C, but it's also starting to rain a lot after qingming, and the lake is a lot more misty.. Xihu is like a woman I think: everchanging (and quick-changing) moods, but each side of her has a beauty of its own.. I wonder what she's like in other seasons.. she doesn't freeze, even in the last year's bitter winter, and from the various paintings I've seen, she's beautiful no mattr what clothes she's wearing.. I will see her in the rain today I guess. And yes, I remembered to bring the brolly out this time. Will try to hit Liu4 He2 Ta3 (six harmonies pagoda) today, and then back to the city to climb up the north hill/mountain to see the yello dragon cave and baochu pagoda, then sit by the lake and try to regain the inspiration I felt yesterday as I was doing that but couldn't act on as I didn't bring my markers out (for once, sigh).

Went to Bai Causeway yesterday and Gu Shan, wanted to eat at the famous Lou Wai Lou but I was ignored! Plus I realised it's really hard to eat at nicer chinese restaurants when one is alone.. chinese meals are, after all, communal events. sigh. I'm stuck w simple rice and noodle places and streetside stalls/shops I guess.. but hangzhou food is good. Quite happy.