Well, the non-encouragement of men is not going so well so far. I got hit on twice on the train. One was a very sweet Chinese boy who couldn't speak any English but proceeded to write an epic in Chinese in my journal (which I will have to get translated), fold up all my clothes and give me presents. We also shared dinner: I introduced him to peanut butter and he introduced me to chicken feet in instant noodles. I don't think either of us have been converted. I was quite worried he was going to make a move in the middle of the night as we shared a compartment but at least he appeared to be a gentleman. For some reason I only get attention like this when I haven't had a shower or brushed my teeth or hair or changed my clothes. Now I know the key to finding a man at least ;)

The novelty of trains has worn off I think. I really am sick of instant noodles and the toilet situation wasn't so good on this train. And they threw me out of the restaurant cart when I tried to get some real food. Hopeully it was because they'd stopped serving rather than them not liking the look of me. I was in the best part though, soft sleeper, which is like first class I guess. Four beds to a compartment with a lockable door and moderately clean toilets in each carriage. Then there's hard sleeper which has three tiers of beds as opposed to the two tiers in soft sleeper and no separate comparments, about 60 beds to a carriage. Worst of all is hard seat which is literally just double rows of benches facing each other with probably 100 people to a carriage. This may not sound too bad but remember this is on a 36 hour journey!

I have arrived in my hostel but I'm setting off again almost immediately to Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge. I have to get a sleeper bus (an untested form of overnight transport!) and then hopefully do a trip from Lijiang. I'm not sure if I'll make it as it involves juggling different forms of transport, but I'm sure it'll be fine :s

I'll try not to befriend any men too. Will update on my return.

Oh, and Happy New Year!