If I walk the opposite way, away from the lake, I go straight into a densely built residential area. There’s 40-50 m between the shops, and it’s deserted except for a few children playing. There’s a canal built that runs through this part of the city and connects to the lake. Massive amounts of water can run through the canal. The water marks show that it does happen. At the end of the canal there’s a waterfall, where you can enjoy a small cool drink on plastic chairs and watch the Chinese tourists practically fall into the water to get the best photos. And after walking along the canal and seeing the amount of trash in that water, I really wouldn’t wish that on them.

What I thought was just a waterfall opens up into a small park with small plastic statues, benches and bridges across the river. It is, however, completely deserted. Small shacks have their shutters pulled down. There are no tourists or staff. A couple of kids sit over in a corner fishing in an artificial pond. They glance at me a bit. I sense that they’re probably not allowed to fish in that pond. I find a set of stairs that takes me up to an entrance and a parking lot. I’ve ended up walking in via a back way. I read that they’re closed today, on Sundays.

I’ve walked far enough now that I’m starting to plan my return route. There’s no fun in walking back the same path, so I go in a little arc to the north to cross the river again and come back into the city. The landscape changes now. Dusty country roads, forest roads and small, crooked and winding hill roads. It’s not particularly pedestrian-friendly, but I’m used to that by now. I round a corner and meet Godzilla.

I’ve stumbled upon a small amusement park. I recognize the name Langfarm from some candy I’d bought the day before. Dinosaurs welcome you to Fairytale Farm, an indoor amusement park, a small cinema experience and a buffet restaurant all combined in one big building. There’s a decent number of tourists present. I’m tempted. The entrance fee wasn’t high either, but after checking in with myself, I just wasn’t in the mood. An amazing find and a nice little distraction, but the heights are calling.

I move on up the hillside. At the top I get the view I’d hoped for. I spot a large church in the distance. It’s roughly in the direction I want to go, so I set course for it. When I get there, I politely ask at the gate if I can go in. It’s a large area and contains more than just a church, with large angel statues and stained glass mosaic windows. There are sports courts, a building resembling a beach hotel, and more. I’m the only person on the grounds besides the gatekeeper, so I admire the church a little, but move on.

There’s a little café I’ve decided to visit today. It fits well with a meal and a bit of relaxation after all the hills. The café is cozy, and the 3rd floor only has one other pair of guests, who finish up shortly after I arrive, so I have the place all to myself. They play Thunderstruck, Bittersweet Symphony and Californication. My afternoon passes at the little café, where I sit doing a bit of digital cleanup, writing this story and tinkering a little with my small game project. On the way home I even found a really good street with small eateries on it, close to my hostel. I can slowly and calmly eat my way through those over the next few days.

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