Hong KongWe eventually arrived in Hong Kong after a killer 28 hour train journey (to somewhere just outside HK), followed by a further 2 hour train journey to HK itself.  Got to HK train station only to realise our Youth Hostel was miles away and last check in was 11:30pm - about the time we go to the station.  Finally managed to get an expensive cab to the YH and arrived late at night and very ready for bed.  Sadly for Al the nigt had only just be...

ShanghaiVarley decided to come along for the ride in Shanghai.  Shanghai is awesome, very impressive when you first arrive at night with all the bright lights and skyscrapers.  Very much the NY of china.  Also quite expensive though - so quite hard to be on a budget!Seen a few of the sights here, such as the Pearl tower (as shown in the pic).  Been on a boat trip on the river, done a bit of shopping ...and of course had the obligitory drunken ...

HangzhouWell we arrived in Hangzhou after a quick glight from beijing and met up with Varley. There seem to be much lees western facesin Hangzhou and you are eternally greeted with the term 'laowei', which losely translates as 'outside/foreigner'. Nice!Not long after arriving, Varley took us to a mountain retreat nearby for what was supposed to be a relaxing couple of days out of the city.  It all started well with a nice meal, stunning views...

Ni Hao!Well, we arrived safe and sound after a flight to beijing on Ethiopian Airways.  Felt incredibly full after my UN food parcel catering!We are staying at Thom's house (Rachel's ex boyfriend) and so have the luxury of living in a real house, as opposed to all the rubbish hotels in india.  It's been another massive culture shock adjusting to the cleanliness of beijing.  Everything seems way too modern and im even a bit disturbed by ...