Went to the Forbidden City today where all the emperors and their families lived. It was totally amazing with all this intricate detail on all the buildings and the sheer size of it. We had a tour guide called Vivian who was able to pull off a bit of English style irony which made me feel very at home. She convinced the group that they cooked the old concubines in cauldrons and just as everyone responded 'Noooo. Oh my God!' she told us she was joking. Very funny, but I guess you had to be there.

Walked around some of the hutongs - the back streets where people live which are so cute... like another world hidden behind the massive hectic streets... we saw this little old woman in her hair curlers walking her teeny tiny dog... so adorable!!

Went back to the pearl market for more bargains... couldn't resist it. We're leaving Beijing tomorrow for the Great Wall... seems like just the right time... I've got used to the bad manners and filth of the city and seen a bit of its charm, but nothing really left I want to do here.

If I die of exhaustion or plummet to my death off the Great Wall tomorrow, I'm sure there are lots of people I should tell I love, but I can't really be bothered. (kidding mum in case you have a panic attack). Lots of love.xx