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 at 1230 we touchdown in China and I am about to start my new adventure. The airport was deserted and the customs people as sleepy as I was....a very quick entry was to be had!!! I am relieved to find my driver had waited for me and that all my baggage had arrived with me. Walked out of the airport to be met by bright neon lights and wondered if I had been put down in Las Vegas...what a sight so early in the morning!! Will get to see Guilin later in the we...

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...

Today is the start of my big adventure. Leave Hobart at 0600.......then Melbourne....then Sydney....Then Hong Kong.. I dont like flying any better than I did before but a few stiff drinks and I can finally watch a movie. Everyone else sleeps soundly but not I.....no I am awake in case disaster strikes (don't know what I would actually do??)