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 the distinct lack of cows on the road.

It was Al's birthday the day after we got here so we had ourt first big drunken might out at a club called 'propaganda'. It's £4 all you can drink and from what the people say the alcohol is absolutely filthy and has some odd chemical in it.  Met up with Cairnes and his friends there, was quality to see him.  Was an awesome night, but spent the next day being sick continually.  Well worth it though.

After a day of recovery we went to see some of the sights.  Really enjoyed The Forbidden City and Tiananmen square.  Thought it's a national holiday this week so it's like being in the centre of mass migration.  It's far busier than it would normally be, so can be a bit of a hassle. 

Al managed to get himself a great buy in the market - a fake gold double diamond encrusted rolex.  He looks like a pimp daddy, but he seems to like it.  Food here is lovely too. A nice change from the curry! Not always entirely sure what we are eating, but sometimes I think it's better not to know.... 

Did the Great Wall yesterday! Thought it was awesome and the views were stunning (check out the pics to see).  Must be incredibly unfit as really struggled at the start and i'm ACHING today! Well worth the pain though.

Had a great time in Beijing.  Very much enjoyed the fact we are now able to drink as and when we want to - even if we did have to sample the filthy rice wine that is Bi Jo! Not a big fan.

Off to a place near Shanghai tomorrow to see Varley.  Will keep y'all updated.