Ni Hao

Arrived at the train station last night to board the overnight train to Xi'an (15 hours) there seemed to be another 4000 people wanting the same train and we both have never seen a train station so busy.

We seemed to miss out on our soft sleeper lounge and presumed they didn't have one till we boarded the train and saw the comfy lounge through our window looking right back at us!!!!

As usual the train left bang on time and we cracked open a beer to pass an hour, again no one joined our cabin and we had it to ourselves again.

Woke up this morning and drew back the curtains to see snow everywhere it was a total whiteout and we were still 4 hours from Xi'an.

Our train was only 20 minutes late because of the snow and our contact was there to meet us, we weaved our way through the slushy streets of Xi'an to our hostel. As Chinese Spring Festival is approaching we needed to get our onward train tickets booked as you can only book onward travel from your city of travel, we had to go to a little window in the town and queue. I have seen smaller lines for U2 gigs the line was enormous but we waited in line as the British love to do.

After 1 1/2 hours we reached the front and just had to wait for the guy in front to finish, then the sucker punch came just as we were about to ask for tickets the lady declared the counter shut and the automatic shutter came down on our heads!!!!

Disgruntled, cold and looking like a snowman we had more pressing matters, finding a new pair of trainers for me and a hat for Mel to stay warm, which we managed fairly easily, but trying to explain that I needed a bin for my old trainers proved too much and I ended up taking them with me. I was about to throw them in the bin outside the mall and the cleaner swiped them out of my hands so fast it was a blur!!!!

By now it was getting dark and cold so it was back to the hostel to sort out train tickets but again this proved a real chore so we left it with them and went to relax and warm up in the bar. Mel had a date with a washing machine as she has been getting witrhdrawal symptoms and she dissappeared for quite some time while I was in the shower!!!

We have booked to go and see the Terracotta warriors tomorrow as they are only 40km from Xi'an and are really looking forward to it.The snow is still coming down outside but inside it is really snug and warm.

Lots of love

M & M