Hello everyone, so sorry about my lack of blogs but the internet has been non exsistant and even now we are having to pay for it. So just a brief overview of Beijing, we arrived this morning on the sleeper train - the trains are better than in Vietnam, positively swanky and we do sleep better. Arrived in a very cold Beijing - could tell that as the river was frozen up! Queued 20 mins for a taxi and got to the hostel, only to find they didnt have our booking - we phoned the agent in China dealing with the booking and they decided to give us a room and check with sundowners tomorrow to see if we have to pay for it! Huh. Just been out for a walk - all wrapped up now - bag a lot lighter! Found the Russian Embassy for Claire visa and looking forward to going to the zoo to see the panda's tomorrow. Need to wrap back up and go out for food again soon. But its only like being at home! It doesnt seem as busy as Hong Kong or Shanghai, but i bet it is when we get into the touristy bits. There is very little English around and we are struggling a little, but we are muddling through. The hostel is good and we are always thankful for a western toilet! Ill try and update the days i have missed periodically - and if not all do it all when i get back! Hope you are all well, catch you later Bex xx