Ni Hao,

This is a bit late as we arrived in Taishan on 19th October and left on 22nd, mainly due to the recovery time needed following the climb of Mt Taishan.

Arrived in Taishan following an epic 7 hr train ride on a fairly basic train, packed full of locals and their wares, including the evicting of locals from our seats. It was nerve racking at first but all were very friendly and mucked in cramming luggage into any available nook or cranny.

Having arrived late we found the Hostel had no food and Al had to eat! We set off and found an awol crayfish (Al thought it was a Scorpion and refused to go near it!) we proceeded to save Bertie from certain death! We wandered into town and found a lady cooking fab noodles on the corner for 30p - bargain! We tucked in on rickety stools under a hand made shelter which seemed to amuse the friendly locals eating there.

Mt Taishan itself was a nice change from the hustle and bustle and the clean air was a bonus! The locals also taking the trip were really friendly and one old boy with cap and stick stopped to say hello and wish us luck. We made it halfway by foot and then took the easy option of a cable car to the top (not so easy fo Tracy who soon wished she hadn't got on!). At the top were the two gateways to heaven and various temples and great views.

On the descent the light quickly vanished and after a few stumbles we gave in and bought a torch on recommendation from a local!

It all seemed fun at the time but for the next three days our legs were knackered and we tried to avoid any steps at all costs!

Loved Taishan, greener, really friendly locals and not to forget the random Jackie Chan movie playing outside a bakers....ten minutes later a local Jackie lookalike, complete in white suit, was seem brawling in the middle of the road with two Taxi drivers - wife trying to drag him away - hilarious!

Next stop Beijing x