We did the walk of shame this morning, back to the restaurant where we had participated so wildly in the karaoke. Our fear was that we’d be seen as shameful westerners and scorned. However we were greeted with cries of delight, waving and lots and lots of smiles. It seems that all is well in East/West relations.

The ‘highlight’ of breakfast was preserved eggs - a plate of cooked eggs in their shells with blackened, mouldy yolks. Richard’s eyes lit up when he saw them while we looked at them in disbelief (he obviously enjoys seeing people in discomfort). Angela was first to step up to the plate (pun intended) to sample this disgusting delicacy. Pat was next, agreeing with Angela’s description that it was a salty, almost blue cheese flavour. Holly tried next and then Lauran tried, but failed to eat it. None of the men were stupid enough to try.

On our way back to Beijing today we stopped of at the Eastern Qing tombs and mausoleum.

The tombs are set in a beautiful and vast landscape beside a lake. It’s a very pretty and serene location and although the buildings aren’t as well preserved as the forbidden city the artefacts here are more impressive.

The drive back to Beijing was 3 hours long and at the end we were back at our first hotel. We nearly cried tears of joy when we saw our bathroom (which in the UK would be considered pretty shabby!) and Angela was really excited to see a bath!!

Alan went for a run in the park. He saw lots of people doing their, exercises, Tai Chi and even waving large fans around in time to music but they all stopped to stare as he ran past. Running is not popular here. One of our group suggested that they may be stopping to see what he is running from.

It was our last group dinner today as Richard (our tour guide) leaves tonight and Pat and Holly leave for the US tomorrow. Richard took us to a fantastic restaurant where we were served an entire deep fried chicken, complete with head, amongst other dishes.

We all exchanged contact details - this trip has been a real bonding experience - wished Richard, Pat and Holly a safe trip and headed back to the (warm, comfortable) hotel for a good nights sleep.