After much ado we worked out how to spend out 'Tibetan time' as well as see a touch of Tibet while we are still here. Well at least we thought until our plan came tumbling down. We decided to catch a 10 hour train and then a 6 hour bus to a place called Xiahe. The day we were about to board the train what did the Chinese Govt. decide to do - close that town off to tourists too! So in a bit of a frantic mess we had to decide what to do with our time. We headed to the train station and exchanged our tickets (the old fashion way - ie with the local in the refund line) and headed to Chengdu. To get a sleeper ticked anywhere in China you have to book at least 3 days ahead. Obviously we didn't have this kind of time up our sleeve with the drama that unfolded in the morning. We did manage to buy 2 sleeper tickets from 1 guy but Trent got stuck with a hard seat. Fortunately though when we boarded the train we were able to get him an upgrade to sleeper class. I am sure after last time he would not have survived the 16 hour train in the hard seat (well i know i wouldn't have).

After arriving to Chengdu we though we would see if we could change our flight dates (assuming that we wouldn't have a chance) but in fact we could with no extra charge. So we have hung out here in Chengdu for 3 days and we are off tomorrow to Nepal. Today we visited the Panda breeding centre. Such beautiful and peacful animals, we watched them eat, sleep and play. Yesterday we decided to splurge and we went to the Sheraton Hotel buffet lunch which cost a whopping $25 (very expensive here). Other than that we have just been chilling out enjoying our comfortable hostel surrounding and cheap bar (Sims Cozy Hostel- thanks Justin).

I have just learned about the world of skype so if anyone is on it my username is gisellemcmahon. Look me up. Rhiannon - i keep trying but no one is home.

Love to all.

G and T.