Last day in Beijing. Lovely visit to the summer palace where the emperor used to spend the warmer months. Basically a massive lake with lots of pretty buildings, temples and bridges surrounding it. Started with a popcorn breakfast and a stroll, then a spot of pedalo'ing, a yummy chocolate magnum, followed by a walk up a lot of (pretty) steps to the tower of buddhist incense (a statue with 4 heads and 8 arms if I remember correctly).
We stopped at the temple of heaven on the way back but had to rush through so didn't get to see the pretty gardens.
Now on night train to Xian, and just had 1st mandarin lesson. Learnt lots including how to barter (look out Market traders) and how to pretend I'm allergic to seafood!
Can't believe I haven't mentioned the public toilets yet- squatters! Took a couple of attempts to get the hang of them (the knack is to bend down as far as possible!) I just know that I'm going to drop something valuable down there one day in the midst of the required gymnastic positioning!
Am on the bottom bunk, with my bags chained to my bed and a snoring & farting local above! Good night.