Been in China for about 3 days now. I arrived here about 9am local time after a long flight and the seemingly simple directions to the hostel didn't quite work out that way! Some guy in a rickshaw taking advantage of my sleep deprived judgement, charged me to take me to somewhere that clearly wasn't where I wanted to go, leaving me lost in Beijing!! I eventually found the place and spent most of the day sleeping. I was soooo tired! Met a girl in the dorm who is now on my tour in China til 16th June and is lovely , which was nice. Also had a fab chinese meal which I managed to eat with chopsticks for the first time!!! oooooh get me!!

Went to Beijing Zoo and saw pandas who are soooo cute!!!!

Later yesterday we met our tour group who are an interesting mix. We had a massive feast... proper Peking Duck! and loads of other stufff, which was amazing and stayed up really late chatting. Having a fab time.

Today was a bit tiring but very cool. Went to the summer palace, all these really traditional looking chinese buildings round a beautiful massive lake with willow trees everywhere. It was really stunning. Then went to the Temple of Heaven and also to the pearl market, which was awesome. Had lots of fun haggling for jewellery and made everyone laugh.

I hope its disgusting and rainy at home and everyone is jealous!!