Thought I'd add a few more things from the land of China before I move on. Responding to some of the comments I've had: Despite facebook being banned some news does still get through mostly via the Chinese newstation that is ominously called CCTV! Yes the scorpion on a stick was alright, crunchy and spicy! The silk worm lavae was adequately described by someone I was travelling with as " Like a ball of leather filled with pus" And Grandma as far as I...

In Beijing now which it turns out is fantastic. The picture of the Forbidden City up there is unfortunately not one of mine, will try to get some of mine up when I'm in one place for more than 2 days! This evening is my last on the tour run by Vodkatrain, lots of vodka has been drunk but then again theres not a lot else to do on a 4 day train journey! Met a lot of brilliant people both travellers and locals. Went all round the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, Te...