Well, it seems as though people like peanut butter and budgie stories so that's all good :) I am currently in Xian, and this is the first step of my trip all on my lonesome as Laura and I have parted ways. It feels a bit like I'm setting off all over again as Laura and I had got used to going everywhere together, even if we normally wandered off by ourselves when we got to places. Though my bid for freedom hasn't worked just yet - I went to the train station las...

I love China! It's a great country and Beijing is a wonderful city, I'm really enjoying it so far. I got a "good vibe" as soon as I got off the train and everyone is really friendly. Beijing is meant to be polluted but after Ulan Bator the air seems really clean. It's also a very clean and tidy city. I have two Chinese men reading over my shoulder - it's a good job I said I like China! They must like me as they're trying to give me cigarettes. Everyone...