is there poodle in my noodle

It seems apt that last week’s multipitch was called Penhouse Platforms. Due to our extended stay in Yangshou and desire to stay at this fabulous hostel, The Climbers’ Inn, we chose to upgrade to the last room available; the family suite on top of the building, complete with balcony and childrens’ room. A snip at £15 a night.

Most residents here are solo climbers and spend their time shuttling between Hong Kong/Laos/Thailand/Taiwan when their visas run out. We have a two-year visa that allows one three-month stay at a time – you need only to cross the border and return for the allowance to renew.

Despite the monthly rent of an apartment in Yanshou costing a paltry £80 a month, climbers choose to stay here due to the scene and location. We have joined a team of young guns all in their 20s, who talk to us like we grew up with the dinosaurs and say hilarious things like: “What was it like growing up without colour TV?”, and “Did quickdraws exist last century?”

Here are three photos from recent adventures (that aren’t gratuitous ass shots):

Recent excitement has included discovering a veritable menagerie at the crag; centipedes, mice, rats, hornets, and this beastie sitting on the very hold I wanted to use.

Driving has presented its own set of challenges, for example, crossing an intersection diagonally, where 18 separate lanes of traffic meet, with no traffic lights or right of way. Similarly, the ‘bike lane’ seems to exist for people travelling in both directions, including cars, plus animals, scooters, vendors, and lost tourists. We think of it as survival of the fittest. Still alive, for now.