I was able to find this hostel online much faster than using the Lonely Planet book. In this era of advanced digital technology, Lonely Planet guidebooks seem to be gradually becoming obsolete. However, I still take this guidebook with me wherever I go. Before leaving for Chengdu, I purchased a new durable stainless steel kettle at the hypermarket in my hometown, as my old plastic kettle had started to leak from the bottom when the water boiled. The winter in Sichuan is extremely cold, and I need a kettle to boil water for my daily needs, especially in the mornings. Without this electric kettle, I would end up drinking cold water that I couldn't manage to down. The lobby of the bar at this youth hostel has many picture frames hanging on the wall.
Day 1 04.01.2026 Sunday Xinghui Road West - Chengdu
I've finally arrived at the youth hostel called Sonderia Lazybones, situated near the Wenshu Monastery. This location is very convenient, right in the center of Chengdu. I was not expecting this hostel to be so spacious; the well-maintained old mansion has numerous rooms on the third floor that range from large to small, catering specifically to youth backpackers from around the globe. Although I'm not that young, I feel I fit right in. The dormitory bunk beds are very affordable, which is a plus. I paid for two nights upon checking in around 2 PM with my credit card. However, as I sit here writing this blog in the lobby bar, I realize I want to extend my stay for at least another three nights, bringing my total to five nights in Chengdu. I need enough time to explore public transport options, whether by rail or road, before heading to Emei Shan. If I choose to travel by train, I need to allocate extra time to buy a ticket. I recall buying train tickets was quite a hassle in the past due to the crowds when I was backpacking in this vast country. China has now advanced considerably in digital technology, so I'm optimistic I can purchase a train ticket online when the time comes.
Azahar, Jaggi, and Darus are on this trip with me. Though I can't see them with my own eyes, I can feel their presence and hear their voices. They travel light with their backpacks, flew on the same airplane as I did last night, took the same MRT compartment in Chengdu, and checked into the same youth hostel. They exist in a physical dimension I cannot perceive, but they are part of my reality. The Higher Power wishes them to experience life in this quality and moral character in another dimension beyond my sensory perception. Those who know Azahar, Jaggi, and Darus will see them return to this physical realm once their responsibilities in that other world are balanced and their duty is fulfilled.
I was able to locate this hostel online faster than by using the Lonely Planet book. In today's era of advanced digital technology, Lonely Planet guidebooks are gradually becoming less popular. However, I still take this guidebook with me wherever I travel.
