Good Morning all you Happy people, hows work? heehee Just playing, so I am in China. Flew into Shanghai two days ago and now arrived in Beijing. Its awesome, I like it already and it's only been two days. So the flight into Shanghai was good, I saw Chicken Little, Syrianna and Aeon Flux...New films just in case you needed to know. And slept the rest of the time. So arrival in China was ok, a cab for $40 though.... But it was a 50-minute trip into my hostel in the centre of the City. Now this city is big, it wouldn't surprise me if it was bigger that London, so vast and spread out. The weather well it was 9am in the morning was smoggy and wet...perfect for a London boy. The hostel was quite large and within a 10-minute walk from the Bund, my first stop. The Bund is a walkway along the river and on both sides you have magnificent views. Over the river there is the Oriental TV tower (that glows in the night) and the Jiansing Tower (I think it's said that way). The tallest building in Shanghai. I walked the length of this, which was breathtaking, even with the fog and people wanting me to buy DVD's. Back to the Hostel for a shower, and I bumped into two of my roommates a girl called Debbie (Australian Chinese!) and Grant a typical Yank (laid back and cool). While Grant slept, Debbie took me to Breakfast and a beer, which consisted of spicy chicken and a Japanese beer called Kirani (and this is a beer to be remembered) Not only does it come in a huge bottle but it tastes superb. The chicken was cooked and uninfected before you ask! Very spicy though. This cost me about 50p. The exchange rate is awesome 15 Chinese qui /RMB to a pound. Next on the agenda a cab ride with another traveller called Stephen, a Chinese Yank.... And luckily he spoke the language too, which helped, to the Shanghai markets. These were surreal, kind of like Camden but twice as busy and so many people trying to sell watches and DVD's.... I don't want either thanks.... Ooh and I can speak Chinese, get this Chi Chi - means thank you and Ne how - means Hello.... More than I could do in French - remember those days Danny! From here we stopped at a local kitchen, these kitchens are a great thing about Chinese culture, they cook out in the open in the street. Now as strange as it sounds believe me they are nice...and my first Chinese delicacy - Dumplings. I have no idea if I was eating Rat, Dog.... But they were good! Drinks in a local bar followed and then at a French guy's house. Before heading back for views of the city at night. Stunning! So the picture is the gateway to China...I will download more when I get time. So you can see them for yourself. All in all Shanghai is a very interesting place, I am still unsure of if I liked it...I think it was a culture shock, with their little bikes and cultural ways. But hey it was my first day...I feel another visit to truly sample Shanghai may be in order...for now the jury is still out. But I have to say all in all the Chinese are lovely friendly people.... So far that is. I am now in Beijing after having caught a domestic flight from Shanghai (I am very proud of myself and sampled the local Shrimp and Rice (which you get soup for free with) at the airport). Just caught up with my tour leader I have a personal shower - very happy about that and an Internet Cafe just round the corner where I am now. I meet Paul tomorrow and we start our tour then. So I shall saw Chi Chi and write you more later...I am off to Ti'anamen Square.