firstly forgot to say I had a cultural lesson yesterday, on the art of calligraphy. Wasn't very good at it, which is maybe the reason why I negleted to inform you of this fact, but I gave it my best shot.

earlyish rise on Saturday morning, and a packed day ahead. Straight of to Summer Palace, which was beautiful. Paid for with money meant for a railway line, but the emperious (sorry for spelling) wanted a better house, wouldn't we all. Had an amazing lake in it, and a rather large, and inpractical marble boat. Since we didn't really know what our tour guide was trying to inform us of, I was privelegded enough to be given the "Womack" experience, in other words, Helen's version of the story. I give you a short/cut down/cleanish version. Near the lake, in one of the buildings, the emperious used to keep a dozen swans. They were well trained, and upon hearing the footsteps of the emperious, they would come out of the building and stand in a perfect line. The marble boat was for the emperor to take opium in, and have fun with his concubines, maybe true!!! lol.

After the summer palace, we went for lunch, then of for a rickshaw ride, round a lake and through a hutong. Was very romantic, adele and i sharing lol. was pretty kl tho, but didn't feel 2 safe. Tian'an Men square next stop.

Not what I expected, not sure what that was though. Empty and lifeless is the best way 2 express the atmosphere of the place - but only from a western perspective. They are doing parts of the buildings up so alot of the photos have scaffolding in it. To lighten the mood, Pearl market for some haggling, got a new handbag, its prada you know,lol.

Beijing Duck - carved in front of us, absolutely stunning, if you can describe food like that? oh well sure u get the picture. The day is still not done yet, acrobatics for evening entertainment. Fantastic, however no photos because weren't allowed flash photography, limiting my abilities slightly. take my word for it tho, worth going to if you ever come to Beijing.