We have arrived safely in Beijing, and have sussed out the Mandarin language already - ok not quite, but finding our way about!

Staying in a nice Novotel not far from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

First trip on the agenda, i think is The Great Wall of China - just need to figure out how to get there! Think we're going to venture out to the less touristy part of the Wall called Simatai but it's about 4 hours away and has vertical climbs where u have to climb on all fours! Apparently it's not for the unfit or unstable - will be an experience!!

Off to find something to eat on our first night here - will have to attempt to say Vegetarian in Chinese and hope i don't end up with dodgy looking dog meat or something!!