17/03 Went to Forbidden city and Tiananmen square - both very impressive and a Starbucks inside and we are are definitely templed out!!

Just a note the chinese spit constantly which is disgusting!

We all went out to the bar street area of Beijing to celebrate St Paddy's night. We started in a cheesy rocket bar which had games of a bansai nature.  Then we ventured to a dutch club which played techno european musiv and Emma danced on the chairs, swinging her hair madly.

Strolled back to the hotel at 5am extremely exhausted!! 

18/03 Hung over and eventually surfaced at 2:30pm. 
Went to a Kung Fu show at night which was more of a theatrical musical than a a martial arts exhibition.

19/03 Left Beijing and headed to the Great Wall.  Weather conditions were bad, very misty and snowy.  Emma experienced her first squat toilet outdoors - now ther's a vision for you all!!
It took 5 1/2 hours to complete the trek and Emma was assisted by a little chinese helper (beggar) who identified her as the weak link in the group (Bambi on ice!)

Stayed over at a small guesthouse on what must be the hardest beds ever.

20/03 Back to Beijing where we went to the Pear Market which was extremely amusing.  Got man handled by lots of chinese women especillay down the trainer and bag aisle.

Caught the sleeper train to Xian, which was 14 hours in cramped compartments that held 6 people.  It was extremely hot and lots of snoring.  Emma had to restrain herself from her normal farting exploits which was lucky in such a confined space!!

21/03 Arrived in Xian at 7:30am. very tired after only 1/2 hour sleep.

Did lots today.
Looked around the muslim quarter, sampled strange but nice tasty food, visited the drum and bell tower (something really worth doing - NOT!!).  We then went to somple markets where a fight was witnessed much to Em's enjoyment! - Her highlight so far!
We then cycled 14Km on the enclosed city wall which was tiring.

22/03 Early start and went to see the Terracotta warriors which are deemed the 8th wonder of the world.  Took some good photos.

Went to a traditional Karakoe bar which was graet fun. Emma started the evening belting out a spice girls number setting the tone for the night. Sean did Robbie Williams and his best so far of "never gonna give you up"  by Rick Astley.  Good night had by all and dirt cheap.

Tomorrow off to Shanghai which we cannot wait for, though on another sleeper train for 17 hours