Hey,

Can't keep up with people on facebook so I thought I would make a blog and share my experience and pics with you.

First proper weekend in Beijing and its been busy, I woke up on Friday morning to find a note stuck to my door inviting me to my neighbours house party that night (I have never seen these neighbours before). Turns out they are an america and a brit. Was good fun and met loads of western people.

Got my new mattress delivered from Ikea this morning, its been like sleeping on a wooden box for the last two weeks, wasn't sure if it would get here as when they rang they couldn't speak english!!

Was going to meet a couple of girls from school downtown and I had to figure out how to get there (taxis very rarely speak english so i can now say, left, right, and stop!!) Got a taxi to my nearest subway station, then navigated my way to getting a ticket and got the tube to the right stop. Met the girls then we walked about a mile to the tea district to sample some teas (some apparently are slimming so I may go back!!)

We got a taxi back to our district- taxis are very cheap, 45 mins later and it only cost a £5. Had lunch in Sanlitun area where all the foreigners hang out then went into the yashow clothing market and got our nails done. French manicure £4 and foot exfoliation for £3, This may well be a weekly treat!! Back to my friends apartment and dinner at a mexican, very yummy!!

So far a great weekend after the storms and flooding of Friday. I walked to school in the thunder and lightning storm only to get there and my "dry" clothes in my backpack were waterlogged, this turned into my trying to get a taxi to take me home to get changed and come back!! The rain is like nothing I've ever seen before!!

Katherine xx