So today is finally the first day of my travels! I have arrived safe and sound with the help of two diazepam :) leaving the family was so wick. Saying goodbye to everyone was pretty horrendous but I know I will see and hear from them soon! Leaving on my own was crazy, walking through the airport solo knowing I'm about to travel on my own was a very surreal feeling, and still is! I arrived in Beijing at about half 9, got through immigration fairly quickly and then hopped on the airport express that took me to Beijing central station. From there I got on the line 2 which dropped me near my hostel. Walking out into the blazing heat was crazy! At that point I wasn't too comfortable because I had my massive rucksack with all my clothes, plus my other back and I was wearing trousers and trainers! Sweaty!

I dandered down a random street and hoped for the best. I got a few random looks and a few hopeless ones too! I then spotted my hostel pretty quickly, as it was once a hotel it stands out from the rest of the buildings! I checked in and headed up to my room threw my stuff down and lay on the bed. Absolutely busted! I accidentally fell asleep for an hour or so but was woken up by the heat. I then took my camera and walked around to tian'an men square before cousin Melissa arrived. Tian'an men square was pretty cool but in general I have already found china to be a big culture shock. It is insane! The people don't really seem to know or understand etiquette. They charge into you and expect you to move out of the way for them. I was nearly knocked over by some crazy cyclist!! Everyone in the square was trying offer me tours and hats and all sorts of nonsense! I just wanted a few snaps and then to get the hell out! I then headed back to my hostel hoping that mel would be there, and she was! Thank god haha. We had a nice catch up and she bought me a beer. We chilled and talked and then headed out to walk the streets of Beijing! We found a nice little place where I had some rice and vegetable dish and mel had a curry dish. After that we went for a long dander, in and out the side streets and saw real china life. Old men were gambling in little alleys and kids were walking around starkers and peeing on the street! So bizarre! After a couple of hours we had celebratory cocktails for me kicking off my travels :)

Back to the hostel and we got Into bed. They were surprisingly comfy but oh my god it was hot! I had finally managed to get to sleep and then new travelers came In and turned the light on. Fail. But still, a great first day of travelling!