First Full Day

After a restless night due jet lag we are now getting in the swing of things. We had a good start and took a bus to the hub of Beijing without much difficulty. The people are so friendly and eager to help, or certainly pratice their English. We indeed have learnt some easy phrases.

For having had the Olympics it seems as though there has been an attempt to sign up main attractions. But the Lonely planet quide has been a real asset, Thx to Milli and Robin. There are people employed to take the plastic out of litter bins and sweep the floor, man bus stops and every corner there are at least two police officers or army personnel. We have found the people to be extremly friendly but also very pushy. trying to make a sell at every opportunity. We have unknownly masted the look to drive the price down but haven't seen anything we've needed as yet.


We have been on a ricksaw tour of Hutong and learnt about the hierarchical system which is still in place today.This area is as Erin said the oldest part of Beijing, dwellings amongst little alleyways which even today is where the poor live and cramped conditions 1 family have a room of 10 square metres and have to share a shower and toilet with up to another 10 families.

Everywhere is litter free but it is extremely grubby looking, the smog isn't as bad as it can be but you can hardly see any distance. Crossing roads is promblematic as it looks like a free of all, all they do is honk there horn. There's no cycle helmets or belts required. Bicycles have the right over everything else. Internet access seems to be fine so i hope to upload some photos in a few days.

We have seen some funny sights too, all the children of toilet training age where crutchless pants. The toilets are one to avoid unless absolutely necessary, especially the public ones, jay tells me there is no door.

We are going to the Forbidden City tomorrow now we have our bearings.
We leave for Xian on an overnight train Sunday.