We were up early and met with our local guide Michael. Today we would be off to see the Terracotta Warriors. After a bus ride through the busy streets of Xi'an and out in to the countryside it made a welcome break to see some green land in China. We arrived in just over an hour. Throughout the journey Michael gave us a run down on the history and told us about what to expect. The site was accidentally discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well for water. Instea...

We arrived in Shanghai feeling tired and grumpy after our first overnight train. We had an hour to come round at the hotel before being fed and shown round the city. At this point, we were both still adjusting to the Chinese culture which is very different to the west. For example, spitting in the street is fairly common among the older population, as is blowing your nose into your hand and wiping it on the nearest object (the wall, someone else's car - wish I wa...

We arrived in Beijing after another early start (4.30am) and a long transfer day (1 bus, 2 planes, subway and 1 mile walk with bags). We were initially struck by the number of people, bicycles, motorised bikes and manic traffic system. More by luck than judgement we made it to the hostel where we were greeted by really lovely friendly staff, a pet bird and a very cute white pet rabbit with an excellent hairdo. So when in a new place you go find your feet. We ha...

We arrived in Hong Kong after a 10 hour daytime flight feeling jetlagged and tired. We were immediately met by a helpful tourist information guide who advised us on how best to get to our guesthouse (bus), gave us a very large map (pointing out our guesthouse and other important sites) and told us about must sees such as free museums on Wednesdays. After consulting several other people regarding directions (a big airport), cash machines, etc en route we boarded t...

We arrived in Fiji after a very long overnight flight from Los Angeles at around 4.30am looking bleary eyed and tired. We then hung about for another 40 minutes waiting for our transfer to transfer us to the hostel in downtown Nadi which eventually he did. On arrival at the hostel we were subjected to a 30 minute check in and introduction which felt more like an interrogation in downtown Beirut (even the surroundings matched - downtown Nadi is grim - it is horrib...