Hotpotting

Journey to the west Part I
Week one of my 33rd birthday and all is quiet for the time being. I am still in China, travelling through chongquing right now, taking it easy as I get ready for the long trek south to Thailand. I will be here in Chongquin about three more days and then its down to Kunming for Chinese New Year and then possibly to Dali and then to the Banna region --known for its lush forests and minority mixes--note:not the traditional China that I am growing somewhat tired of...
Not to mention that it is very cold here--and the North is experiencing temperatures that they have not seen since the second world war. This is problematic. I can only speak for the southern region, but it would seem that there is very little heat in China in the form of centralized heating. There is such a strong reliance on the natural heat--which must suck in the summer as well--Chongquing is one of the hottest places in China during the summer where the average temperature is around 40c. Regardless, my sleeping bag is getting a lot of use and it will be nice to get down to the South of the country and into warmer climates. Having spent a good deal of time in Buffalo, I feel like I appreciate the winter, but here you are almost always cold because of the lack of a good heat--and the marble floors are not much help either.
Anyway, per your request-- here are pictures...