We're still in Kunming...but where else would we be? Yesterday was a great day. We hired out bicycles (which turned out to be an experience in itself...lets just say a red light seems to have a whole different meaning over here) we ventured to a really nice little park on the outskirts of town and then visited Kunming zoo, which was really nice as zoos go. I got to sit on a camel and had my photograph taken with a seal, a giraffe and a 'herd' of deer. Really...

So we're in Kunming...and we're also stuck in Kunming for the next seven days. Joy. We arrived here yesterday, hoping to head to Chengdu in the next few days. No such luck. all the trains are booked out til the 8th, meaning it would be too late to get to Bejing for our flight on the 14th.... So we tried to book a train ticket to Bejing, but they're all full til the 11th, meaning we wouldn't get into Bejing til the 13th and there would be no time for great wa...

Dali tourch festiavl. Ha! English health and safety departments would have a field day! Picture this: hundreds of people stood around a bonfire clutching 5ft long torches...people dancing in circles around mini bonfires (bit like a scene from Lord of the flies!)...people HOLDING fireworks as they go off TOWARD the masses...young kids swinging and spinning their enflamed torches as their parents smile on... teenagers engaging in playful banter (ie trying to s...

Hi, Just a quick message. Im entertaining myself with the free internet service while Dean is out doing some Kung Fu. He also did some Thai Chi this morning...I was going to go along too but it was very early, the hangover had kicked in, and hey, theres always tomorrow! We are just about to get ready to go out to the torch festival...Dalis answer to bonfire night but with added alcohol. Should be fun. Claire x

Hey everyone This is my first postcard in China. What can I say?! Nothing could have prepared us for the culture shock that is China. The greatest shocks have been the lack of spoken English and the most disgusting toilets I have ever seen. Also, spitting and smoking appear to be two of the most popular pastimes. Oh the sweet sound of people hocking up and gobbing everywhere; who needs the sound of birds singing in a morning when you have that? Hav...