We went to Beijing yesterday, and my GOODNESS it was amazing. Definitely worth the trip, we had to get up at 5.30am and catch a train up there but it was absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time in one day to really look around Beijing itself, but we went to the Great Wall and it was fantastic. I can't put into words how amazing it was!

I've got photos on the computer here, so I'll get around to putting those up!

The Great Wall was quite a hike though. Maybe I was just being naive but I didn't think it was that hard, but the steps were SO steep. Not a place for those who are unfit! (me). But I did it, and it was so worth it. There was only a small section of the wall that we were allowed to explore, as the rest of it was unrestored, but it was nice to see the wall in it's original state, as it just seems to mean more. Also, I have to say the handrails on the constructed part do somewhat ruin the atmosphere a bit! There were also souvinier stalls all along the wall, and we were collared every few metres, to buy water or cheap looking 'certificates' to prove that we'd been there. I did give in and buy a fan, but hey - you have to have at least one reminder!!

I managed to get sunburnt, which I should've really thought about! But I've got so used to it being hot, but not sunny in Jinan... I didn't even think about it. The sun is almost never out here, but in Beijing it was just clear blue skies! It was beautiful :)

Back to reality here in Jinan though, on another day off today and back to work tomorrow! Nothing too hard untill the weekend though. After next week it's going to be crazy busy though, as the summer school starts and we apparently get a massive influx of new kids! That one should be interesting..!

I'm currently working on a presentation about England for the kids, we're all doing about different countries but I managed to bag the best one! It'll be a good chance to use the photos that I took before leaving, to show them different things and they can compare them to China :)

Quite surprised that we've already almost done our first week of July... but I'm glad that I'm having more and more positive experiences over here, and I know that I will look back fondly :)