So we have arrived in Beijing safe and sound. The flight was long but interesting, we literally left with the sun setting in the west as we headed for new adventures to a new sun rise in the east. Coming in over China, we could see vast differences in the geology (boring I know), one of the most interesting things I noted as we were flying over the mountaineous land leading to beijing was the steps cut into the steep hills, the unmistakeable pattern of paddy fields :-)

So far we have made it to our first hostel, a friendly little place down a small alley, climbing the courtyard stairs you can see a vivid contrast of buildings in ruins next to colourful majestic arches (rather like the one in Liverpool next to old run down buildings!!). It is comfortably warm today, although the sky is blocked by a distinct dusty smog. Currently sat in the hostels cosy bar, drinking green tea and planning our day... a little orientation walk followed by the very much nessessary Peking Duck!!