Wow! Beijing is an amazing place - and the Chinese way of life has many differences, some subtle - like eating earlier for lunch and dinner - and some not so subtle, like hocking up a king-sized loogie in the middle of the street like it was nothing - i swear, i hear that hCcccHHgggHHH-Phtoo!-sound fifty times a day!!!!

Sharan and i have met up with our tour group now, who we will share many miles and activities with down to Hong kong - there are Danish, Swedish, American and a Geordie!!! ha ha, but mostly English. We had a Beijing (Peking) duck banquet and a big beer all for a fiver a head!!!

Saw the bird's nest Olympic stadium today - impressive is the word. And for a more historical outlook, the Temple of Heaven yesterday - awe-inspiring. Sharan and i have pounded much pavement in the cause of finding our way round this amazing city, have had many a traditional meal, look for photo's on that one - no McD's yet, though there are a few around....it has rained, thw wind is cold, the city has been smoggy and noses have been runny - but having a brilliant time all the same.

Ciao for now.....what is bye in Mandarin??? I will find out.