I had landed in Kunming, Yunnan Province. A city preferred by those in the know as the most livable city in China. I was met at the gate by my guide, Janet ( her English name ). Straight to the hotel, for a night's rest.
Early next morning Janet was waiting for me in the hotel lobby. A very pleasant young girl; speaking very good English. We have a very busy schedule today, she said. And there followed a list of things we had to see and do, as she read out from her iPad.
I paused. Come, I said, let's have coffee first ( I had already had a heavy breakfast ). But we shall be late for the local market and then.., I cut her short. So what?
You will miss to see it, she replied. You have paid for it as part of the tour, she added.
Janet, what I have paid for is a suggested itinerary and a private guide and car. What we do and don't do
is at my discretion, not yours or the company's. My responsibility. My money, my choice.
She was uneasy..the office would call to find how the tour was going. I shall talk to Carol, I said; my program director in China. Janet relaxed. We had coffee together, croissant and a lot of talk. Her job, education,family etc. It was 1030.
I want you to take me to a place where old people meet, I told her suddenly. Surprise. My driver joined in discussing where that would be. Yes, they had it..a place where elder, retired men get together and played mahjong. Off we went.
I returned to my hotel at 1700 hrs. My tour for the day. Worth every penny and more. Then a quick wash and change. Let's sit down at a local street cafe and have dinner..all 3 of us. The blast we had.
My kind of tour. My kind of holiday. The kind of experience I crave.