On only 5 hours sleep, getting up wasn't the easiest job but we managed it somehow! Breakfast was delightful, plus it's always nice when they bring you the bill to sign and you realise you won't be paying the rather steep 18 GBP that breakfast buffet would have cost you!

Our first stop of the day was The Temple of Heaven, built for the emperors to thank the gods for a good harvest. If the harvest was bad, things were quite simple - they didn't thank the gods. There you go. There was also a rather interesting wall which echoed...apparently. Amidst the roar of "Ni Haos" and shouting from those around, I couldn't pick out any echoes as opposed to general uproar but oh well! There was also some celebratory presentation symbolising 400 days till the Beijing Olympics so we dutifully had our photos taken with giant inflatable "Olympic Babies" - google them if you're rather worried by this name and are not sure what they are!

We then paid a visit to a silk factory. It's a strange realisation when you see the cocoon shells from the silk worms (basically small caterpillars aren't they) which are used to make the silk with. You could buy a silk down duvet for 50 GBP or a "IV generation duvet cover" for a bargain price of 300 GBP - yes, 300 English Pounds. It wasn't an unfortunate miscalculation on my part. I think not!

We went for dim sum for lunch which wasn't too bad. There were some strange sweet sugary things for which there was no need, and apparently I ate camel. We were told it was pork. Great. Maybe it'll help with water retention?

Next stop was Tian'an Men Square which was in one word, legendary. From there we walked to the entrance of the Forbidden City, and then walked for what seemed an eternity - 3 hours to be precise. We managed to cover the whole length of the City in absolutely scorching temperatures. But suppose things like these have to be done when you're on holiday!

Grateful to get back to our air conditioned coach, we were now made to watch another Chinese show. After yesterday's performance I can't say I wasn't doubtful, but despite the scary children bending into tubes; a woman balancing and spinning things (including two grown men) on her feet; women who seemed to enjoy balancing stuff on their faces whilst simultaneously spinning hulas; there was a rather impressive guy who did some mask changing routine rather quickly and successfully which made up for the rest of the rather scary and sometimes rather wrong performances!

Dinner was the usual help yourself on the revolving centre piece style. No camel was harmed in the making of this meal I am told. Having gone easy on the food and beer I decided to test the pool out when we got back. It was amazing. After this trip I'm going to find it very difficult doing anything but 5 star, dahling. This is definitely the life! I really do need to start earning some money...