Hi all,

Well it had to happen somewhere alongthe line... we have been delayed in Guilin airport. The notice board reads "Delayed due to air traffic congestion". No further details. To this end, we are now here for an extended 3 hours. Our small group of 12 is reading/ sleeping and people watching - some of course are writing blogs.

Our trip to China so far has been fantastic. We feel that we have seen and done so much, yet are aware that there is just so much more!

Highlights for us have been - Beijing: The Great Wall, bargaining in the Silk Market and happening upon early morning exercise in the park.

Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, bike riding on the historic city wall (14 km) and going to the local tailor to have silk garments made (to size and specification) ready within 24 hours for less than £40.

Yangshou: The scenery, the scenery, the scenery... beyond that - the bike ride through the country (dodging some crazy traffic, other cyclists and water buffalo) , climbing moon hill (a short 20 minute walk up steep stairs, trying to avoid eye contact with local ladies who followed us up... each assigning themselves to one of our group - fanning us with the lid of their cooler boxes and trying to get us to buy drinks from them.... ) , Chinese cooking school (a fun experience, with surprisingly successful results) and watching the ancient art of cormorant fishing (not the most charismatic tour guide, but not really something that needed explaining).

Difficulties have been... publictoilets (effectively avoided by G) , bargaining (knowing a reasonable price and ensuring you are not being ripped off), seeing some of the delicacies on offer in the local food market (the less said the better).

We will be in Shanghai until Friday am and then on to Hong Kong. Our flight to Jo'burg is at 23h50 on Saturday, arriving in Cape Town late Sunday am.