Last Day In Beijing

Hello folks!

Here I am in an average, 'business' Novotel in Beijing, just a few blocks down from Tiananmen Square. Ben Harper is here in my room playing his new album and I have some Nag Champa incense (purchased in Nepal) burning. Mmm..just like home..if I had one that is!

Beijing has been ok. Can't say too much but we've had some fun and met Meiduo and Hiro from Litang and we're going on a tour of Tibet and Western China with them. Should be fun! I leave tomorrow morning.

A few days ago we went to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City which was amazing. So much dramatic and recent history right here. (Incidentally I am censoring this posting just in case!)
I even managed to find a copy of the Last Emperor just to get a feel for things.

I've had more than my fair share of Chinese food here (although they tend to just call it 'food') and have come to the conclusion that no mater in the world you go, Chinese food is basically just greasy, sweet stuff fried in a mixture of sugar and MSG, or stewed cabbage and onion in um, greasy stuff with MSG in it. Yum!

I have enjoyed haggling at the fake clothing market and bought my share of North Face, Timberland  and Rip Curl clothing and a rather stunning Breitling watch. I do have a troubled conscience about the kids in the sweatshop where the clothing was undoubtedly made but I take some pleasure in the fact that North Face, Timberland et al won't get to see any of my money, seeing as they are probably also running sweat shops!

So, the rest of the trip takes in Lhasa, Linxia, Litang and Chengdu and that's pretty much my itinerary for the next six weeks. Litang is between 2 and 14  degrees so it will seem just like a winter in England. But I am looking forward to getting to ride horses with our genuine herdsman, Hiro.
Click here for a map of the area I'm heading to. The map shows Lhasa rougly in the centre above Bhutan, Litang over to the East and Chengdu further East.

Speak soon. Be good!!

Comments

[Suzy & Phil]

Bloke

Sounds like you're having an adventurous time. Hope the work is going well and you're getting to the badies.
Just to let you know I am expecting a Welsh Alian in November! (Baby in normal terms!)
Take care
With love
Suzy & Phil

[Scottie]

G'day mate!

Keep the updates coming. GREAT to hear about your adventures and to know that you are safe!

Speak soon!

Scottie x

[Jo]

Good to hear that you are having fun and finally learning about fashion sense!!! Hope all is good and do you honestly think that Phil should be a Father?!!! Nice one Phil, Hi scottie!!! Dont get arsey Justin its not all about you!!
Take care on them horses.
Jo xx