Bronnie In China 2008

The last post

2008-06-28T22:33:00.002+10:00

21/4/08
This is it...the last day in China. I am due to fly out at 9pm so a long time to wait. Had arranged with Neil to take him to the Silk Markets in the morning so had to get out of bed early. Had trouble getting a taxi (no Steve, that why). It seemed to take for ever and it was raining. Eventually got there but had to walk about a block and negotiate an underpass but got there. He picked out what he wanted and I did the bargaining. It worked quite well. Got back to the hotel just before 12 as that was the check out time. I did try to keep my room till six but it wasn't happening so had to fill in time on the Internet, reading and eating. Got too bored so at 4pm I went to the airport. At least there is more to do there. I got a taxi with no trouble but it seemed like he had never been to the airport before...not too sure what was going on there. Was very disappointed with the duty free and departure area at Beijing. I know that the airport has only been open a month but there is nowhere to buy a bottle of water and only one eating place that is a full on eating place. My plane left on time and I enjoyed not having someone in front of me on the plane and the plane appeared to be fairly new and clean (compared to the China ones). I arrived back in Cairns and was picked up by Kris and Amie which was quite cool. Not use to that sort of reception.

It was a good holiday. Physically challenging especially after having a horse fall on me. Best parts...definitely Tiger Leaping Gorge, The warriors and the Wall but the company was also really great.

Out and about in Beijing

2008-06-28T22:23:00.002+10:00

20/04/08
Out semi organised trip was now over and some people were leaving. Gail and John had already left. I still had a couple of days left. Slept in this morning. Had arranged to go to the Silk Market with Steve and John sometime before lunch time. I had to move rooms into a room by myself. Caught a taxi with no trouble and headed off to the markets. Again not what I expected. It was a four storied building full of fake goods. Fake Nike, fake Rolex, fake IPOD's, fake everything. The guys had a lot of fun bargaining on prices. Numerous times I became their wife to get rid of some of the sales girls. It was a lot of fun. We had pizza at a western type restaurant in the markets and paid 100Y for it (too much!). We stayed there until about 4pm when we went back to the hotel, grabbed they guys stuff and went to their new 5 star hotel. It was quite nice and the staff spoke English...now there's a first for this trip! Had a cup of tea with them and they came back to my hotel for a while to say good bye to some of the others. We hung around the 6th floor bar for the evening and then went to bed early. By this stage just about everyone had departed which was sad. Whitney and Dawn were still there as they were contemplating going to Mongolia and Neil was due to leave tomorrow at lunch time. For some reason I stopped taking pictures.

The Great Wall of China - the last test of endurance

2008-06-28T21:47:00.008+10:00

19/04/08

Awake at 6am for a 6.30am departure for the Great Wall of China. It was a three hour bus trip to the Samatai section of the wall. Slept some of the way as feeling a bit nauseated due to the smell of sweet bread (same thing happened in Africa!). Arrived at the bottom of the hill where the Great Wall looked like it was at the top of a mountain range and a long way up. Took the chair lift some of the way up the hill and then what they called the 'mini train' a bit more of the way up the top but still had a walk to get to the wall itself. Kim, Andrew and I started at tower 5 and walked slowly all the way to tower 12 which was as far as we could go on this section. We made it in time to spend some time with the rest of the group at the top which was great. Coming down was hard on the knees and thighs and Andrew, Kim and I decided to go down the way we came up (I have a blood clot remember...I have an excuse!). Had a three hour trip back, slept some more and arrived back at the hotel at about 3pm. Mucked around and did some emails etc till it was time to go out for our last meal together which was Peking duck. After dinner we went to the 6th floor bar for some nibbles and drinks. Some of the group had had a lot of rice wine. In bed at about 11pm.

Back in Beijing

2008-06-28T21:15:00.005+10:00

18/8/08

Awoke early due to the Chinese couple in my area of the train deciding to have breakfast at 5am! Couldn't get back to sleep. Arrived late into Beijing probably around 7.30-8am. Waited for ages to get a Taxi and got yet another one that could speak no English but mumbled away to himself in Mandarin. Arrived at the hotel at 8.30am ish and had to be set to go again at 9.15am to go to the forbidden city. Forbidden city - mama whowho (so so). LOTS of Chinese tourists and had to push our way around quiet a lot. Not really that exciting and in a bad mood after Eric made us walk hideously fast to the place (the blood clot in my leg was really bad at this stage!). After the Forbidden city we walked across Tienanmen square. Again, not that exciting. Did see about a dozen women scrubbing chewing gum off the pavers in the square. The rest of the group minus Gail, John and I went to a restaurant for lunch (at 3pm) but I needed sleep after a bad sleep on the train. I had a snooze and just chilled till 6pm. At 6.30pm we met again and some of us went and saw an acrobat show (180Y) which was in an old theatre but very well done. You could buy popcorn and sprite and sit in armchairs. It was apparently the Beijing Acrobatic troop. After the show we walked back to the hotel and then had pizza in the 6th floor restaurant. Off to bed at 10.30pm ish.

Xi'an to Beijing - the last train ride!

2008-06-28T20:42:00.007+10:00

17/4/08

Whitney's alarm went off at 6.30am but she didn't move till after 7am. Had to be downstairs and checked out by 8am then off to the terracotta warriors. First we visited a factory where they make replicas and brought two 'laughing' warriors. After that we went to the actual pits where they are buried. There was two massive pits and one smaller pit. It was what I imagined, perhaps a bit bigger. There must be heaps more underground yet to be discovered. I spent most of my time taking photos. Watched a movie about the story behind the warriors. I cant understand how a nation that documents everything so well, didn't record this and lost them in history (???). 1 1/2 hour trip back to Xi'an then free time till 4.30pm so went to Starbucks, brought another book and went to a supermarket to get snacks for the train. It started raining on the way back to the YMCA. Caught a bus to the train station to catch the 'express' train to Beijing. We departed from the VIP lounge which meant we weren't stampeded by the masses who weren't far behind us. Sat round on the train talking. A elderly Chinese lady on the train thought that I was 22 and very pretty. Had to kick another woman off my bed when I finally wanted to go to bed. I think she was upset with me because she was on a middle bunk and she wanted a bottom bunk. NO SALE!

Xi'an and lost again

2008-06-28T20:09:00.006+10:00

16/4/08

Had a rough nights sleep on the train. Lots of stopping and starting. Arrived in Xi'an at 8am and was able to get into our rooms at the YMCA which was great because I really needed a shower to wake me up. Then we went to see the big wild goose pagoda. I'm not really into pagodas, they seem really lifeless. After the pagoda we went to the Muslim quarter for lunch. Was put off a bit by all the unrefrigerated food that was hanging by the roadside. Has a bun filled with chicken, spices and lettuce - totally dodgy but tasted a bit like a KFC zinger burger. After that we tried to find the Southern gate of the city wall. We found it after a bit of walking and illegal J walking across six lane highways. We climbed up the steps to the bike hire place so that we could bike on top of the wall. Did well as it was flat with some bumpy bits. Managed the 14km in 100min which was our allocated time on the bikes. After that we tried to get home and got lost again and ended up walking for 2 1/2 hours to get back to the hotel by asking a lot of questions and getting some very different answers. Was totally sick of China at this stage and I wasn't the only one. Most of the girls in the group has similar feelings. Tried to get a taxi back to the hotel but apparently too close to hotel and he refused to take us (we were about an hour away at this stage). Got back eventually. For dinner a few of us went to a dumpling dinner (278Y) where we sampled 22 different dumplings - 'it look like duck, it duck dumpling'. Didn't like the walnut dumpling, it was too sweet as was the dessert dumpling. This was accompanied with a dance show which was quite good and almost understandable. Walked back to the hotel which took about 20min (not 2 1/2 hour it took earlier). Totally exhausted.

Another train ride

2008-06-28T19:45:00.005+10:00

15/4/08

Alarm went off at 7am as needed to be downstairs to see the panda's at Chongquin zoo at 7.30am. Took a taxi to a hotel near the zoo for breakfast. Driver got a bit lost (despite Chinese instructions) but eventually we found the hotel. Breakfast was mamam whowho (so so) (15Y) then we walked to the zoo (20Y) to see the giant pandas which weren't that giant but good to see in China. Also saw a red panda which looked like a raccoon. Caught the elevator train back to hotel (4Y) and ended up in the city square. Tried to find the electronics market but only found lots of electronic shops - not what I expected. Went back to the hotel to check out and then off to find some food markets but never found them but did get horrendously lost and ended up in some dodgy areas and streets. Got lots of steers from the locals. Eventually, and somewhat by accident I found the hotel and decided not to go to far this time so found a smoke pit of a internet cafe and then brought some snacks for the train tonight and then went to Starbucks and had a ham and cheese croissant. Met together again to catch the next train to Xi'an at about 5pm.

The Yangtze continues, then Fengdu and Chongquin

2008-06-28T19:12:00.007+10:00

14/4/08

Awoke early because an ear plug had fallen out and I could hear the PA system. Stayed in bed for a bit longer then decided to get the diary up to date which took a bit of time. Had noodles for lunch again and packed to disembark by 2pm. Arranged for a porter to carry my bag up the 225 steps (yep..I counted them). She was half my size or less maybe but hey, I'm on holiday. The cost was 10 yuan which is about $1.20 but I paid her a bit more than 10 yuan because I felt sorry for her. We got into some small minivans then across the river to the new Fengdu. Over 1.1 million people have been relocated because of the Yangtze river which still has 20m to rise because of the soon to be completed Three Gorges Dam. Off the minibuses and onto a semi modern bus for a three hour trip to Chongquin. Arrived at the hotel which is the nicest yet but has a see through shower so that people in the living area can watch you shower which is very disturbing. At 8.15 we went for Dinner with Eric to experience 'hot pot'. They had tamed it down so there was a chili and non chili option but the chili was not to hot so had that. Ate alot, then back to the hotel for a great sleep.

Happy Birthday to me

2008-06-28T18:41:00.006+10:00

13/4/08

Awoke early and read my book till Dawn woke. She said Happy Birthday when she woke up which was nice. Stayed in room till about 12. Some of the group had gone on the little Three Gorges tour but I choose to sleep in (they left at 7.30am). Had noodles from a paper container for lunch then stood on the front of the boat watching the scenery and taking photos. Spent some time in my room but generally just chilling. At 5pm we met for drinks to celebrate my birthday and had some red wine. Eric gave me a bottle of red wine. Eric sang karaoke happy birthday for me in English and Chinese and kept repeating to me 'you get prettier each day'...what does that mean? After that we climbed what seemed like 100 steps to have dinner. Dinner was hot Sichuan style with lots of chili and Sichuan peppers. Very nice but hot. Back on the boat and Eric taught us how to play marjong till about 11.30pm. A great birthday with lots of hugs and kisses. Very special day.

Yichang to the Yangtze River Cruise

2008-06-28T17:43:00.006+10:00

12/4/08

Up to go to the supermarket to buy more noodles for the boat cruise along the Yangtze. Apparently one cannot predict what standard the food will be till you get on the boat. Breakfast was at the Beaner coffee place that was western in nature and had big comfortable chairs. We then walked across the big bridge that crosses the Yangtze. It was very foggy and the views were a bit limited but spectacular and mystical. Walked across with Whitney, Neil, Steve and John. Met up with Gail and John at the beginning of the bridge and walked back together to the hotel to check out. Back to KFC for lunch again and then back to the hotel to catch a bus to the Yangtze which was about 1 1/2 hours away. It was foggy and raining and we cant see much. We pull up to see the Three Gorges Dam but can't see a thing. But take photos to say that that is where it is meant to be. A bit further down the road we get off the bus and head down to our boat for the next two days. The boat is a bit old and run down but sufficient. Again the shower has stagnant water and shoes are required to go into the bathroom. Sat up till 11pm watching Chinese Karaoke then off to bed with earplugs in.

Foggy and wet Yichang

2008-06-28T17:17:00.006+10:00

11/4/08

Off the train at about 8.30am then to the bus station to catch a bus to Yichang. Into the hotel and then to lunch with Eric at 1.30pm at a local restaurant. We sucked it up like we hadn't eaten for days and the sweet and sour pork was brilliant. We were so hungry we had to order extra food. After lunch we went to the mini version of the Three Gorges dam and watched the boats come and go through the lochs. It was amazing to how fast the water was pumped in and out but then there is a lot of water in the Yangtze river. It was cool/cold and drizzling. After that we went back to the hotel to warm up and then out for dinner with except Brent, Andrew and Kim. Eric stayed for a bit to help out with the ordering and then left. Back to the hotel and in bed early and slept soundly even through the massage call at 11.30pm. Below are some delicacies (baby crayfish and sparrows) that I found just outside the hotel.

Li River and another train trip

2008-06-28T17:04:00.003+10:00

10/4/08

Up early again to go on the Li river cruise. Still hot and humid and a bit foggy, though I think it is now also smog. Had a 30min mini bus ride to the boat and then a 2hr boat ride down and up the river. Very pleasant. We sat on the bow of the boat and just took photo after photo. There were no stops along the way and we made it back to the hostel at about 11.30am and had a shower and checked out. Had KFC for lunch and then wandered till about 4.30pm then back to the hostel to catch a bus to Guilin railway station. The train left at 7.30pm to Wuhan. This train was more comfortable than the last one. I could hardly stay awake so went to bed early with my ear plugs in but woke up often either hot or cold or hot again but so did everyone so I think it was the trains aircon.

A flat tyre and a lot of sweat

2008-06-28T16:30:00.007+10:00

9/4/08

Up for a bike ride at 8am. Am assured that it is flat and easy going and all on bitumen. Bike has gears and good breaks but the seat looks a bit uncomfortable. The bike ride starts well but soon the heat and humidity gets to me and I am sweating +++. We have regular stops for photos which provides some relief. We have a local guide called Chelle who leads us through paddy fields. We stopped at an old town from the Ming dynasty that was cool and damp and still had people living in it though the roofs were a bit scarce. I found it hard work and then Andrew said 'you have a flat tyre'!!!! No wonder I am sweating so much. Changed bikes. The views were spectacular and I loved looking at the hills, just so unusual. I think it was probably 30-32 degrees and about 80% humidity and no breeze. We had lunch at Moon Hill. Has a dodgy cheese and tomato sandwich which had bread like toast. Then another 8km back to the hostel. All up we did at least 30km. Have a major sore bottom and glad to get off the bike. Decided that I would get the hostel laundry slave to do the washing as all my sweaty clothes wont dry in the room and will stink out my backpack. At night we went and watched cormorant fishing. The boat was an old clunker with no lights of navigation lights but somehow they found an old man on a bamboo raft with his 8 or so birds on board. The birds have string around their throats and catch small pilchards type fish. It would be hard to make a living. We were on the river for about an hour. Afterward had sweet and sour pork at the hostel restaurant and in bed by about 11pm.

Kunming to Yangshuo via Guilin

2008-06-28T16:11:00.004+10:00

8/4/08

Stayed in hotel room till 12. Have seen enough of this city to enjoy a relaxing morning. Gradually everyone else surfaced and we sat around and I had another pizza then at about 4pm we left for the airport to catch a flight to Guilin. The flight was on China Southern airlines which was cleaner and had a lot more room than the Air China flight. I had a window seat which was great. Took some photos of Kunming from the air. Arrived in Guiling in the dark but lots of neon lights at the airport.

Onto a private bus to Yangshuo. Out the window you could see outlines of the Karsts (hills) which make this place ledgendary. Arrived in Yangshuo at about 9.30pm and went to bed again in my own room. Very hot and humid room and a damp, stagnant aroma and again I have a shower with a leaking shower tray.

Another blocked drain

2008-06-28T16:03:00.002+10:00

7/4/08
Up early - drowned the shower due to a blocked drain. Most places have had bad showers and hard beds. Have had a room to myself for the last three nights and I have enjoyed it alot. Off to catch the bus at 7.40am to return to Kunming. It is a nine hour trip. The scenery doesn't change. Just a mixture of hills and fields fill of soy, rice or broad beans. Surprisingly I haven't felt travel sick at all on this trip despite stale smoke smell and a man in the back seat constantly coughing and hoicking out the back window - probably TB!.

Arrived back in Kunming at 5pm. Decided to wash some clothes but just about clogged the sink because of all the dirt from the gorge walk. Decided not to have 'over the bridge noodles' with the rest of the group and had a yummy pizza for dinner in my room watching the Chinese news.

The morning of the rat!

2008-06-28T15:30:00.007+10:00

6/4/08

Awoken at about 4.30am by a rat eating a bread roll in my backpack. The less than intelligent animal left the snickers and at a bread roll. I had a similar episode in Lubumbashi in Congo but that rat had more taste and went for the snickers and left the bread on that occasion. I chased this less than intelligent rat numerous times into the room next door but it kept coming back. Eventually I chucked the bread roll out the door, left the light on and went back to sleep in the hope of knocking the edge of a cold that I was getting. I have decided to join six others in the group and do a short cut down rather than another two hours up. The fittest four left at 8.00am and we left at 9.30am. The toilets are a tiled ditch which you squat over. Two can use the ditch at a time and a 1 meter square concrete slab gives you privacy (???) The shower was hot but you had to be careful with your soap because the drain hole was about 30cm x 20cm and there is no way to retrieve it if you did drop it. Our walk took us straight down to a road but it was still 2 hours of walking. We got to almost the tunnel when a mini van picked us up and took us to the meeting place with the fit group. Steve had to sit on the floor as their wasn't enough room. I got the front seat which was a bit scary - wrong side of the road and sheer cliff on one side and sheer rock on the other and lots of speed. After we all met up again we caught a public bus back to Lijiang. Went for dinner as same restaurant as last time we were here but Eric ordered this time and the food was alot better.

Its all up hill from here!

2008-06-28T14:59:00.008+10:00

5/4/08

Woke at 8.30am. Some of the group went to the middle gorge which by all accounts was a horrendous up hill grind back to the guesthouse. Four of us decided not to do it. It took them about 2 hours to get down to the gorge and back up again and they all complained when they got back about how hard it was. We sat around for ages waiting for our 2pm departure. Some of the group already have blisters but my feet are fine. 2om comes and Sweet takes my backpack right from the beginning of the walk. I am stuffed at the first bend. How am I going to make it!! but most of the group looked like they were struggling and having lots of stops. For the next two hours it is straight up hill with no relief apart from brief stops to get some oxygen. Steve and Sweet encouraged me along. The views were spectacular and the accent very noticeable and really fast. Reached the top and took some photos. From this point on it was fairly flat and curving around the mountain side. A very pleasant end to a hard climb. Arrived at the halfway house at about 5.30pm and we sat around recovering then went to our rooms. My room looks out over the gorge and has an amazing view, just breath taking. People would pay huge money for this view. Had dinner as a group, garlic baba's and banana pancakes tend to be a big hit. Off to bed at about 9pm.

Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge

2008-06-28T14:20:00.005+10:00

4/4/08

Today was the day that I was most worried about. Don't get me wrong...I really want to climb Tiger Leaping Gorge, it just that I am not sure I can climb Tiger Leaping Gorge! Left Lijiang at 7.30am after breakfast. It was a three hour bus trip to the gorge in a bus owned and driven by a big Chinese woman and her skinny husband. At a toilet break she wanted my pants because she can't buy big pants in China. Mine - not for sale!! Continued on bitumen roads to the beginning of the gorge walk. The weather is very hot and windy. Walked through a tunnel and we were on our way - the point of no return. It was a bit disturbing to walk past bamboo stretchers as we went through the tunnel.

For the next three hours and 11km over a gentle incline but steady incline none the less we walked. I did ok and kept up well but the last bit was straight up hill to Tina's guesthouse and that did me in totally. The altitude totally sucks it out of you. Sweet, our local guide had to take my backpack. Finally made it to Tina's guesthouse short of breath but OK. No new major aches and pains, just the old horse riding pains. Spent rest of afternoon sitting around eating and drinking. Whitney and Dawn entertained on the guitair. At night (9.30pm) we did some Naxi dancing but it was rather repetative and boring so I went to bed. Still very windy and the whistling of the wind was very noisey so ear plugs in for and OK sleep.

2008-06-28T13:57:00.005+10:00

3/4/08

Up at 7am to catch a bus to Lijiang at 8am. This was a public bus and it was full by the time we got out of Dali. It was an OK trip over two mountain ranges. Lots of rice fields and fields of peanuts. Into Lijiang at midday then a short walk to the MCA hostel. This was worse than the last place. Very rickety and our floor had a noticeable slope towards the door. Went down town for KFC lunch then back at about 4pm. Discovered that our power plugs fit here so recharged my phone and camera. Off for dinner with the group to a genuine Chinese restaurant with items such as fried wild termite with mushroom, fried bullfrog with pickled pepper, fried honey bee with red chili, pig stomach with chili oil- sauce, mixed cactus and pig stomach. John ordered prawns and that is exactly what he got - a bowl of shrimps. We ended up sharing our dishes to even out the bad choices with the good choices. After dinner we went to a Naxi cultural show which wasn't that good. It basically showed their worship to heaven, ancestors and harvest. Afterwards back to the rickety hostel.

Dali day 2

2008-06-28T13:35:00.004+10:00

Decided last night not to go on bike ride today with the rest of the group. I am too sore and bruised from the horse ride fall so stayed in bed till 9am then walked to the three pagoda's which would have been 5km from the hostel. The weather was hot and dry. I have very cracked lips that the lip balm is not fixing. Took a tuk tuk type motorbike back to the hostel which cost 5 Yuan. Brought some banana and headed back to the hostel. Could not find the place where you can take a photo of the Three Pagoda's without paying 120 Yuan despite walking around the entire wall. Very disappointing. It started to rain and get very cold so went back to the markets in old Dali and brought a polar fleece replica (and got ripped off again!). Sat on the hostel balcony for the rest of the afternoon reading my newly acquired book waiting for the rest of the gang to return from their cycling trip. Eventually they did, cold and wet at about 5.30pm. Decided to eat two minute noodles in room and a banana for dinner then went out and got some more water, a snickers and some cucumber chip (which I brought by mistake - I was wanting the onion chips).

Dali and the stupid horse

2008-06-28T13:00:00.009+10:00

1/4/08

Arrived at Dali train station at about 8.30am. Lots of people getting off but we were the only foreigners. Caught a 'public' bus which was chartered by us to take us to the old part of Dali. Arrived at the MCA backpackers about 9.30am. Very average. Rooms not available so left bags in the lobby and we went for a walk into the fortified walled old Dali. We were aiming to go to the Three Pagaoda's but the markets were too interesting. Fairly sure I got ripped off. Caught a tuk tuk like motor bike back to the backpackers.

The afternoon was a horse ride to the Zhonghe temple. The ponies were small, maybe 12hh and I felt sorry for mine right from the beginning. As we got to the foot of the hill, mine stumbled into a drain and rolled itself and me down the hill. The guides weren't worried about the horse but worried that I got back on the horse as soon as possible and with three men pushing me back on (literally) we were on our way again. I got back on but bruised and sore particularly my left calf and left shoulder and right inner thigh. It was a long way up and I thought my horse was going to have a heart attack but most of the horses looked like they were going to have a heart attack. It was 1 1/2 hours up and then we walked around at the top for about an hour then back down again but on a gentler track this time. I was actually led down by a guide. My bottom was sore at the end of the ride. Back to the backpackers for a hot shower and then off for dinner at the Tibet Cafe with Eric (our leader) where I had sweet and sour pork with rice. Horse ride 180 Yuan.

Kunming day 2

2008-06-28T12:41:00.003+10:00

31/3/08

Up early AGAIN and had breakfast with Dawn and then she and I went for a walk and almost made it to the Green lake again when (a) we couldn't really find it and (b) we were sick of trying to find it so we went back to the hotel to check out. Did some internet and then went to Walmart and got some moisturiser and some snacks for the train trip tonight. Walmart was a big store but sort of like the warehouse here. Afternoon was spent with Steve and John snacking at little restaurants trying to fill in time till 9.30pm when we to meet again to catch a taxi to the train station. Train station was very modern and clean. We were ushered onto the train before the locals which was great because they basically stampede the train. The guys put our luggage into the racks and we slept with our valuables. The beds were hard and narrow but still managed to get some sleep thanks to earplugs. I had Neil and Dawn above me in the three high bunk arrangement. It was a new exciting experience and slightly funny.

Kunming

2008-06-28T12:22:00.004+10:00

30/3/08

Up and had breakfast with Steve and John from last night. Then, off for a walk to the Green lake and Bird and Flower market. Attempted to find the market first but just couldn't find it so moved onto finding the lake. Found the stagnant "green" lake. It was OK but did have an aroma of stagnation. Left there and attempted to find the markets again and found them where we were this morning. Perhaps they weren't set up when we were there earlier. Brought two pairs of earrings that appear silver but I doubt it (20 Yuan each). Tried a bit of Steve's 'rat' kebab. Very spicy..too spicy, then more walking to the city square to have an ice-cream. Back to the Camellia hotel to meet new room mate who is on the same trip as me. Then at 6pm met the rest of the group; 1 Canadian, 2 couples from oz, 2 girls from the states, 1 NZ'er, Steve, John and I. Developed stomach pains at beginning of debrief at the restaurant which developed quickly in to diarrhoea. Two tablets later and a bit of a rest and I was feeling a lot better. Didn't have dinner that night.

Beijing to Kunming

2008-06-28T12:01:00.004+10:00

29/3/08 Saturday

Awoke to a cold and misty, foggy, smoggy Beijing. I'm not going to see the city this time. Caught a taxi to Beijing airport. This driver had no English at all...not even numbers. Waited at the airport for ages as I didn't know how long it would take to get to the airport in daylight hours. Got through checking with no worries and then to the gate for another wait. Beijing airport is very cold, as it is outside. The flight was with Air China in an old 757 with old style seats. My seat was broken so I sat basically facing the window as the back of the seat was lop-sided. I think there were three other non Chinese people on the packed flight. The guy beside me was trying to read pride and prejudice in English but I couldn't get a conversation out of him. Arrived in Kunming, got a taxi with no worries to the Camellia "hotel". Found a couple of Aussie guys and went out for dinner with them. Had peppered duck, some garlic bread and spring rolls.

Off I go...to the unknown

2008-06-28T11:46:00.003+10:00

28/3/08 Friday
Oh the joys of living so close but yet so far. From Cairns I flew to Sydney and then back over Cairns to get to Beijing. Six hours of flying to get...back to where I began. I suppose that is what happens when you are using frequent flyer points. Sat on the runway in Sydney for fourty minutes and getting more panicky as the minutes went by. Thoughts like...are we waiting for my next plane to leave the gate so that we can get in went through my mind. Eventually made it in the terminal only to find that my next flight was also delayed an hour.

Arrived in Beijing an hour late and made my way through body scanners (for SARS) and then to immigration. Then caught a groovy little, extremely fast train to the other end of the terminal to collect my luggage. No quarantine inspection, just straight through the doors into a foggy 4 degrees. Waited for over an hour with smoking, spitting Chinese people for a taxi. When I did get into the taxi, the driver tried his English but it was all a bit too hard after flying for so long and I was well...a bit frozen. Despite having Chinese instructions and a map he still dropped me off in the wrong place and I had to walk a couple of blocks to find the right place. Got to bed at about 11.40pm China time. Bed very hard but slept well under two doonas/duvets.

Final Preparations

2008-03-27T22:28:00.001+10:00

Almost forgot to pack the toilet paper. How bad would that be?

Soon and very soon

2008-03-14T10:35:00.001+10:00

Well, it is two weeks till I leave on my next adventure. For the past two weeks I have been clambering around the hills of Cairns in hot sticky and sometimes wet weather in order to get "fit" for China. I haven't actually lost any weight but strangely after two weeks of doing the Red Arrow I feel that it is slightly getting easier. I tried the Blue Arrow once and couldn't walk for the next five days (my calf muscles were like concrete) so haven't gone near it again but will in the next couple of days.

Why all this fitness? I would like to do the walk into Tiger Leaping Gorge which by all accounts is a monster of a walk. Hopefully I can do it because there has been alot of snow in China this year and I am a bit worried that I may not be able to do the high track.

So with two weeks to go I am as organised as I can be. All I need to do is a bit more walking and hill climbing!!!