Day 3- Olympic Stadium

Went to the Bird's Nest, mastered the Metro (although everything is written in English!) and discovered McDonalds has 24 hr delivery (We are yet to use this service). I also recommend just ordering a big mac, as the local mcfood was crazy... including a hot strawberry squash concoction... much like Lemsip!

Day 4- The Great Wall

6am on another freezing cold morning and we wandered down in the dark to get on a tour bus to take us to the Great Wall. Jon had told me we were "hiking" and, although a little apprehensive I didn't think it would be that hard. I was wrong...... 3 hours later and we arrived at the scene of my fate. Along with a lovely Oz couple (Pam and Mike) and 30 others we set off fom Jinshangling on route to Simatai. 10 minutes later Pam and I had stopped, gasping for air and 3 layers opf clothing stripped off we started again. The locals obviously prey on the weak as they didn't leave my side for over an hour until I assured them I honestly had no money!

Nothing could have prepared me for the Great Wall and the word Great does it no justice. Jon spent most of the 10K hike open mouthed in wonder... I spent most of it trying to breathe! The views were astonishing. We hiked up and down on crumbling walls... China has no need for Health & Safety. Our tour guide (who incidently didn't climb the wall with us) told us that most people finished the hike in 3 hours. Slow people take 4. Pam, Mike, Jon and I arrived victorious after 4 and a half hours!Every part of me aches today but it was totally worth it.

Thanks for the continued messages guys (I noticed Jon's Dad is doing better than my combined family....! Although he quotes "this is more attention than I've ever recieved from my Dad!")

Lots of love xx

PS. Having issues uploading pictures (we can't understand the Chinese on the computer!) but watch this space.

pps. We are heading to Xi'an tomorrow.