SLOW LORIS 38: Christmas Eve at The Hump Kunming

We landed late afternoon at Kunming Airport on the eve of Christmas. Our original plan was to take a bus downtown to Kunming. Unaware that Christmas eve was a big thingy in Kunming , the roads to city centre were already closed to traffic. Our plan for a smooth trip downtown met a premature death.

At the airport, the touts were merciless in following us. As we tried to get our orientation, they circled and offered their services. Some hinted that there would be no transport into Kunming in view of the Christmas party. Even the information office was not helpful by being curt and ignorant to our enquiries. We did not give up.

Approaching The New East Bus Station

Smooth subway ride

We took the brand new subway which stopped at The East Bus Station. It was reasonable at RMB$5 per person.The ride was smooth and not crowded. At the East Bus Station, there was a complimentary bus ride to the next transport hub, provided we showed our subway tickets. We soldiered on with the last bus ride to Jinmafang. It was really crowded with revellers heading the same direction with us. We had to lug our bags for the last kilometre as the roads to city centre was already closed.

Passing cars were not spared though some 'fought back'

War zone where everyone was snow sprayed

Reaching Jinmafang, the street party was in full swing. People were taking swings at each other with inflated plastic hammers or spraying confetti. We were relatively unscathed probably because we did not look local. After being bounced around a couple of times, we found our night's stay - The Hump Hostel Kunming. We were desperate to get out of the cold and noise.

Large crowds partying below

The din was maddening

Entrance was by an inner courtyard

Obscure sign to Hump

Hump's main entrance

The interior of this hostel was well decorated with oddities and travel brochures. The rooftop had a good view of Jinmafang night life as well as its sober morning the next day. There was a board that told us the weather of the next three towns we wanted to go namely Dali, Lijiang and Shangrila. It was not going to be warm and sunny!

I like the feature wall with lots of pictures that gave character and depth to this temporary abode. The theme was mostly on heroics of the Hump flying squadron which was based in Kunming China during World War II.

We ordered pizzas and curry rice for dinner and checked out our accomodation. The Hump is suitable for independent travellers and does who can't get used to organized tour.

Curry rice China style

Pizza was delectable

A small cafeteria serving local and western

Relieved being out from the cold

Travel brochures

Waiting for our complimentary coffee

Last flight of stairs to the Hump

What I liked about this place was its centrality at Jinmamfang and rooftop view. On the eve of Christmas, we had a good view of the vibrancy and energy of Kunming. The revellers, mostly young, were in a celebratory mood. Few, I imagined, understood the significance of Christmas but were there just to party.

Street view near the Hump

Hump's rooftop the morning after

Noodle soup in hot chilli oil

Kunming's famous gate

Stir fry noodle was bland

Eager to have a taste of Kunming, we joined the crowd down below. Noodles were hugely popular here, the most common named " Over the bridge noodles ". We did not find any along our route that night. In the end, we had our supper of noodles at one of the nearby shops which was quite busy.