We got to the hotel via taxi. (Some didn't want to take us because the distance was too short.) Anyway, when we got to the hotel, we were supposed to have 3 rooms by 8am. They weren't ready. So they gave us one room while we waited for the others to get ready. About 9:30am they came and gave us keys to the other two. I took a very long shower and wash my underwear. After a glorious shower I had my clothes laundred. I dialed the # but it wasn't going through. So I called the main desk but they didn't have enough English and I didn't know any Chinese so she came up. When she saw what I wanted, no problem...except when I needed them. I took a long nap which I needed desparately. Then we met and ate lunch. Then we walked the streets down to the Yellow River. Looks just like the Mississippi. Very cool. We took a cable car across the river and up to the top of the mountain on the north side of the city. Unbelievable view. Pretty spectacular. We got to the top, took some pictures and then we watched this huge dust/sandstorm come in from the east (I think). Big winds and we took the cable car back down. Oh! you could rent boats to cross the river but you could rent a raft made out of sheep skin (inflated). (See picture). Incredible. It's only really for tourists but used commonly a long time ago. Wow! Gross!

We walked back to the hotel and rested till 7pm. Except I overslept...aaaahh! not too late though. We ate at KFC and just walked around a bit. Bought a CD too. Got back to the hotel and had Tom check on my laundry. In about 10 minutes they brought it up. Yay! Clean clothes. Now it's 10:10pm and time for bed.

A couple of things:

• A lot of Germans come to China. Lots of German influence...like appliances.
• So much honking!!!
• Oh! I forgot to tell you that we also walked up to one of te universiy here. The one especially for minorities (Hui). Tom is looking to move up here. The University specializes in medicine.

The Yellow River in Lanzhou. I saw people swimming in it! The current was like the Mississippi.


Inflated Sheep skin as the floatation device for crossing the river...maybe next time!


Traveling via cable car up to the top of a mountain


View from the top...the area was very arid and deserty.


Cool walkway on top of the moutain.


Part of the university Tom would like to work at.