Beijing... (still!)
Figured i should make the most of internet accessibility while i can - not sure whether I will be able to in Russia - not until Moscow anyway... and not pic.s til i get back to the UK - too difficult to upload pic.s while on a time limit...
Well went to Tinamen Square today - 44ha that can hold 1 million people for a 'peaceful' demonstration... - heaps of soldiers and undercover guards everywhere... then went onto the Forbidden City - that was pretty good - definitely worthwhile have a guide - over 70ha and it is like a maze in there! Saw the Hall of Ultimate Harmony, the Hall of Complete Harmony and the Hall of Preserving Harmony - in case you hadn't figured it out - they are big on harmony :) Also saw where the Emperor and Emperess lived, and where he kept his up to 3000 concubines! - emperors died early (oldest 50-55)... :)
On the way out of the City I had my piture taken with these 2 chinese girls - bizarre to think I'll end up in some photo album somewhere - apparently they like having their photo taken with westerners outside their monuments...
Am going to the night markets tonight... resting up til then - still getting into the 'zone' and didn't sleep to well last night - have to have the windows open in the hotel room otherwise you boil...
The group is still good - John is loosening up - just a bit of an aloof type of person... - sure he'll be right after we're stuck all together in a train carriage for 2 days straight!
Oh - and how i said about the smog/pollution - apparently it isn't a problem in winter - but summer it is very bad... and if ever coming in winter need earmuffs or a long beanie - ear tips freeze in the breeze! :) And you can't cross any of the major streets you have to go in the under-road tunnels (was a bit of a learning thing yesterday when first arrived)...
Have taken a roll of film already (not bad for 2 days worth) - and have 8 to go! - hopefully it'll be enough! :)
And thanks for all my emails - I love getting them - but feel really bad as don't get much of a chance to reply... - but keep them coming :)