Thurs 4 - began operation "sign up as many classmates to our group as possible". went to a local dumpling place where you get 15 massive dumplings for 30p with everyone plus mike (oz) and zia (usa). personal trainer is definately going on my cv after sneaking into the gym for free and showing louie and phil the ropes! had more dumplings for dinner..

Fri 5 - Mike took us to a tasty noodle place in sanlitun where you walk through the kitchen to get in and can only drink prune juice. delish. went out for some major karaoke with the team till the early hours!

Sat 6 - Met a SHAOLIN MONK...firm handshake followed by asking me if i liked kung fu? Answer: Of course, (in my mind: not if your ass is about to school me in public!). Went to an old place that had been turned into shops. got depressed. got hungry. ate some bulls paddywhack (neck ligament stopping their heads slumping forward..noice) out of desperation. Saw a shop with a handwritten sign indicating it was christian owned. definitely was. fruitcake of a woman repeating hallelujah and amen amongst loads of chinese whilst flinging round a bible. she gave us a free gift though so all is well! Got out of the area and the gloom lifted! Went to sanlitun to paddy oshea's irish bar to watch ac milan v inter milan. New favourite place. Will 100% pay it a second visit before i depart!