Huw's Bit

Big cop, military presence especially around Tianamen Square - no surprise. Square is pretty impressive, but Mao was closed on a Monday! Forbidden City amazing if a little overwhelming - you could spend a month in there! Love the 'feel' of Beijing in that despite cop/military presence there is no feel of nanny state, the PC or H&S brigade - so refreshing! People very friendly and couldn't stop looking at Christine - liked her hair and hairy legs (mine not hers)! Some of the poverty and how people eek out a living is a bit confronting but most seem content. Beijingers are also the worlds best sleepers, they can sleep anywhere, anytime - saw one bloke using a brick for a pillow! Hotel awesome: indoor golf, pretty good gym, 25m 4 lane swim pool, badminton courts, 5 restaurants, 1 bar!

Christine's bit:

Off to the Forbidden City the next day, slightly worn out to say the least, and even more worn out after viewing this amazing, unbelievable period of time with masses of Chinese tourists on holidays! The rain set in as we began the trek to Tianamen Sq to watch the parade and the lowering of the flag along with hundreds of other tourists all with umbrellas! As the light faded, Chairman Mao"s final resting place lit up along with other icons in Tianamen Sq, all in an eerie light with the rain and thick smog enveloping us.

What a city, what an experience! Loved it!