Hi Everyone

At last i've managed to start writing my blog, sorry about the delay.

We arrived in Beijing with no problems, the flight was on time and the taxi at the airport was easy, although we have found out quite quickly that not many people speak english, so if restuarants have pictures, they are the winners!

In the first few days we ventured off to Beihai Park , Beijing zoo (saw our first panda's bless em!) the Temple of Heaven, the Lama temple and saw the Hutongs, so pretty tired. We met up with the rest of the group on Sunday and everyone seems lovely (had peeking duck which is really good here).

O my god I will never again moan about a ten minute walk to the shop again or even going to the gym...the Great Wall of China nearly killed me, I really should have done some more training. Apparently we went to the hardest part, in some places it was nearly vertical and it was falling apart, but I made it... just!! The next day we went to the summer palace and went to see the Chinese acrobats who are amazing.

Last day in Beijing and we went to tianamen square and the forbiden city which was beautiful then went for lunch at a school in the hutongs and had a traditional calligraphy lesson which I loved. Caught abus for the first time aswell today and they really do pack you in so you can only just breath but saying that it only cost 7p.

Next stop Xi'an so we took the overnight train, which was pretty cool. Each cabin had 6 beds 3 beds high on each side i had one of the top bunks which ment using some climbing skills (trust me it wasn't a pretty sight) I slept all night which i'm sure will not shock most people who know me.

Arrived at the hotel after a bit of a walk with the back packs (far too heavy) and went for a wonder around, it's alot more oldy worldy here than Beijing. Going out for something to eat tonight and then its the terrocotta army tomorrow.

Speak soon, love

Liz x x x x