Hello again from China. We are still in Beijing - we will be spending a week here before returning again to Chengdu. The weather has been much cooler here thankfully - even quite a bit of heavy rain. We spent yesterday visiting Mao's mausoleum where is body is displayed for a short period each day and everybody files past in a very orderly, organised and reverent fashion - not much to see really! Beijing is currently preparing for National Day celebrations on 1st October so there is a lot of activity around Tian'amen square setting up lights and podiums and there seems to be always national music (military style) being played through large loud speakers that you can hear right across the square.

Had a full day of shopping yesterday also - the chinese seem to really love their shopping but it has to be cheap. The absolutely haggle over everything, but I am still learning - I am sure I have paid way too much for everything. Anyway, still have to work out how to get all this shopping home again.

Also were able to get tickets to the Beijing Opera last night - didn't understand a word but the staging, costumes and dancing were amazing. Really enjoyed it!

Off to visit the summer palace today which involves travelling some distance across Beijing on buses so will probably spend the day getting lost more likely.

Hope all is good at home.

Debbie