My boyfriend and I share the trait of stubbornness, especially when we can save money. Two kilometers from downtown? We can walk that. We fail to acknowledge that the bus station is several kilometers from downtown.

It can't be much further. We disregard each map.

The sun sets. Our backs strain. An hour goes by. We pass through the long yellow corridor, down the dark path and find a single sign.

Another crossroad follows. There are never enough signs.

Why China, why?

A Chinese couple points us the right way. Our guesthouse awaits up the hill. Big comfy bed.

Bliss.