Being blessed with some free time in a new place there are so many opportunities which open to you. I love the tree lined streets in Pu-xi, it feels and looks very European, the studios i have taught at and visited are contemporary, each one having its own unique character and design. The Yoga community in Shanghai is very connected, there is big competition here but i have not experienced any friction between the owners i have met who all love to eat at Kazu's delicious vegan/ vegetarian cafe called Annamaya, i LOVE the tofu strawberry cheese cake! The labor day weekend was also at the same time as new moon and Beltane, we were invited to go into the mountains for a night of being in nature and having our own energy feast fast, unplugging and sleeping under the stars around a sacred fire and welcoming in the new energy with the elements. Re charging and waking up with a different perspective on life is extremely refreshing especially making this journey with friends (who now feel like family) in a mini bus into the bamboo forests of Moganshan. We camped out by a reservoir, some were brave enough to jump in but for me it was too cold! The night was slightly cloudy but the stars shone through like pin holes in a blanket and our communal fire generate enough heat for everyone. The sun rose around 5am, the mist was low and the birds were singing! After landing back in Shanghai we are on the move again to the Lake! We boarded a fast train to Hangzhou which is about 200km away and found our way to 4 eyes hostel. Hangzhou is a city right on the west lake, the nature is very green and lush. The lake is huge with decorated ornate boats available to take you on a scenic tour, the surroundings are nicely manicured gardens with big tall trees, velvety grass and controlled wooden walk ways so your feet dont come anywhere near the grassy areas. We hired bikes to explore the many temples and pagodas and to enjoy the different views at each arched bridge. The flow of locals and tourists is constant, the lifestyle here feels very health conscious if you venture into Wushan square after sunset you will find groups gathering for their evening of exercise. One group is for the kids on roller blades learning how to skate, balance and maneuver around a complex track and the other two groups are full of the older generation doing what looks like line dancing with a salsa, aerobic twist. The movements are repetitive and simple and everyone seems to know the routine pretty well. Seeing this conscious gathering for some cardiovascular exercise makes me wonder how well this would go down in the west. Hangzhou - the home of Dragon-Well tea, Tiger Springs and so much more.