We landed in Beijing airport at 11.30am local time. Flight was good and fast. Had no fuss getting through customs & luggage arrived quickly. When meeting the bloke holding the sign with our names on we walked straight past him but caught up again. Oops!

Waiting was a guy called Shaun & 2 girls called Gina & Victoria. They all travelled on their own. Some experienced & some just like us.

We made our way to the mini bus & realised how different the roads rules were. They had none!! Zebra crossings, green/red men and roundabouts meant nothing! Eyes peeled.

We arrived at the Beijing International Hostel at 1.15pm. Sorted the rooms where Emma was told to share with Shaun but we soon put them right!

Rooms were basic but at least we had our own bathroom so no worries. We had to meet for our group intro with the guide at 6pm in the lobby so both had a power nap for 3 hours.

After a snooze we got our paperwork together & met the other 14 people we'd be travelling with. 2 girls from Norway, the 3 we met at the airport, 2 from Surrey, 1 from Essex, 3 from Oz and 1 from America. We introduced ourselfves & shared a little background. More paperwork was filled out & money was handed over. It's now begun...

We all went out to dinner round the corner to a chinese. Food here is better & tastier than back home. Cost next to nothing.

Walking back at 9.30pm the girls stopped at the supermarket to pick up supplies as food isn't included.

10.30pm came back to the hostel & washed a few smalls!

11.30pm began my journal.

11.55pm gonna say goodnight CHINA!!