wow - 11 1/2 hours from sydney and we went from 30 degree heat to freezing cold, we assumed (?! always a mistake) that the Taxi driver would know "crown plaza" or at least we could show it to him on the map...we were sadly mistaken and it was quite hilarious to have someone talking to you in a very animated exuberant way and you lietrally have no idea what they are saying! Hotel is fab, and we found food etc not expensive at all and really tasty, The first day was about -2 but not too bad - we are just wearing lots of layers and I had to invest in a beany hat! It was clear and not windy at least up at the great wall which is at elevation, we went to a quiet bit rather than the touristy bit and we had it almost to ourselves...amazing!! Off to Xi an tonight on the night train to the Terracotta warriors tomorrow, feels chrsitmassy here despite the fact we thought china didnt really did chrimbo!!!