Managed to get out to the great wall and did a 10.5 km hike along a restored and unrestored section. I am told that this section was also damaged badly in the Chinese/Japan war in 1937 (WWII) when there was a lot of fighting and bombing there. Didnt actually notice the earthquake that hit china on the same day and seems to have killed thousands of people. Also spent time at another city called Xian. Went and saw the clay soldiers and did a pretty serious climb ...

What an amazing country! I arrived through Beijing without a drama, and what an nice change to have someone to pick me up at the airport! Many thanks to the Beijing crew (Royce, Kate, George, and Jason :) Managed to find my way about the city and to the Mongolian embassy by bicycle with help along the way from Local real estate agents, Blood bank staff and the local TV media! Unfortunantly made it to the embassy on my first attempt a little too late. Never mind, ...