When my folks have "talked" about Guilin, I have always sensed they were being nostalgic. --China keeps growing and changing at a fast pace. When and if I get to Guilin, I'll be focusing on the rice noodles. --

From the few trips I've made to China, I have come to dread the "tarted up" rock formations. Also was startled to see in the middle of nowhere/farm lands/ rice paddies, a water-world complex. Hmm, thinking about it, I haven't been back to Florida and its myriad of theme parks. Then again I can't discount those "Great Malls"/ factory outlet complexes that dot California. All in all, we Americans are still lucky to have nice national parks. Oh and blue skies!