We finished our orientation today and were taken out for a wonderful farewell dinner at a riverside restaurant..we were also initiated into the drinking of baijui- a Chinese liquor similar to Russian vodka and quite potent- which is widely drunk in China at all celebrations, business meetings etc. What a wonderful way to finish our week but it will be sad as we go our separate ways all across China...some wonderful new friendships have been made.

All our group have arrived, about 24 of us, and today we headed off for a walk around the town with Patrick from Bucklands. Although most of us have been aound the town it was great to get an insiders view of the good places to eat, drink and shop. Stopped off for lunch and had my first taste of one of China's top brand beer- Tsingtao. This is truly a beautiful town surrounded by limestone krasts and then there is the lovely Li River. Had to teach a few of my fe...

Headed off to get more passport photos...why do they need so many in China??? And what happens....Well after years of travelling I manage to get myself mugged in the middle of a street in broad daylight. Got punched in the face, had my necklace stolen and left stunned. Cheeky bloody boy.... I'm only sorry I didn't manage to get a decent punch back!! Got back to Bucklands to be overwhelmed with profuse apologies from all the staff (as if it was their fault) the Di...

Finally arrived at 0230. Literally got tossed into my room and left wondering what on earth was I doing. Didn't take me long to decide a quick shower and a long sleep were in order. Awoke the next morning with no idea where I was or where to go having arrived in the dead of night but never fear this fearless traveller set off on foot to explore the town- and what a beautiful town it is. Only thing left now is to meet up with the Buckland Group and find out who m...