Part 1 - splitting this blog into two parts, they should both be available under Beijing though. Louise left today :-( but I think she would agree with me that Beijing is the most 'alien' of the places we've been to in China so far. Hong Kong was a bit of a soft landing, we didn't see too much of Guilin or Xi'an, and Yangshuo was geared toward extracting the western dollar. Even getting to Beijing was a problem though. Louise booked flights online from Xi'an - ...

Typing this in a net bar in Xi'an which stinks of cigarettes. We had a great couple of days in Yangshuo, with a river cruise, a day of cycling, and the amazing Impressions of San Jie Liu (google it dad) - thanks for the recommendation Rog and Barb. Unfortunately Louise isn't too well today, and we had to cut short our visit to the Terracotta Army. She's sleeping in the hotel - I've nipped out to stock up on water and check out transport options to Beijing. Nothi...

Hello and welcome back after a break in Hong Kong. I am now in Guilin with the beautiful graceful Louise (according to her new Chinese name) after a mad few days in HK. I was there on June 4th - the 20th anniversary of Tiananmen Square. There was a huge gathering in Victoria Park, with candles and singing. I asked what time the free speech was supposed to start, but nobody seemed to know.... Actually it was very moving, even though apart from a video montage, I...

Another quick update. Back in Sydney - although had planned to be in Newcastle - train journey disrupted by maintenance. Plus ca change, as les francais would peut-etre say. Had a great day yesterday with Rog and Barb, touring Hunter Valley vineyards. Barb not only drove but also put us all up at her dad's place - apart from an hour or so without water, which was fixed by some quite jolly council chaps, it was a perfect day out. Once Rog and I had heard some pre...

Seems like a while since I've posted an update, so here's a quick summary of what I've been up to. On Friday, I took a day trip to the Blue Mountains, which was yet another awesome natural spectacle, and a good day out. On Saturday, I managed to go for a run - and quite a long one too, helped by running through the botanical gardens and round the Opera House. I can definitely see the attraction of Sydney... Later on Saturday, I went to Bondi Beach, where I saw...