After our horrible day we decided to cut back on spending but our honcho (Alex) decided that he wanted to try and get our money back, so he came with us to the tea house. After a lot of angry gesturing the women agreed to give us half of the money back (what a legend Alex is!)

As it was Chinese New Years Eve the day consisted of a soundtrack of fireworks (we are in China afterall). When we met the group that evening (we had gone our seperate ways that morning) John and Rolph had bags full of fireworks for later on. After a feast of 10 courses and 2 ducks (shared amongst 10) we hit the bars, it was New Years Eve. The first bar was ok but when we came out the fireworks had intensified. In the second bar (after a pint we decided to move on as there was even more fireworks going towards the bottom of the street. We had all already set of some hand held (yes I did say hand held!) fireworks whilst dodging other fireworks in the street (if you stopped concentrating for just 10 seconds one would go off right next to you). The third bar we got drunk very quickly off quadruple Vodkas and red bull (1 pound each). Then midnight came! I cannot begin to do the next two and a half hours justice. The crescendo of noise and colour was unbelievable. For the whole time you could not speak to the person next to you, and it appeared that everyone in Beijing was out in the street setting off fireworks. It is a memory that will never leave me!! Especially the taxi drivers trying to continue and having to dodge fireworks (one drove over a firework as it went off!)

This morning we awoke (still drunk) early to take the hour long bus ride to the Great Wall. It is an incredible sight, made even better when you reach the top. Getting to the top is another story though, because it is built on the side of mountains so at times you are walking with your hands on the floor in front of you as it is that steep. When we reached the first tower on our ascent Sarah decided that that was enough and she would wait there for me (in hindsight a wise choice). The next section was even worse and the touts trying to sell you crap doesn't help beccause if you stop they pester you, and if your not fast enough they will follow you. Once at the top the view was incredible but the descent was nerve racking. If you fell or slipped (as some of the steep sections didn't have stair) you would go for at least 20 metres.

The bus ride back was interesting as we had to stand the whole way back (well almost). There is no concept of health and safety as there was at least 20 more people than should have been allowed. We were crammed in like sardines in a can!

Sarah and I are now back at our hostel after a couple of beers with John for Australia day. We have booked our tickets for the next place (Pingyao) so have 2 days left here then we are off to somewhere quieter.