China - Guilin

Setting off from Hong kong we had a little issue, we got our itinery wrong. We thought we were coming back to hong kong for a night after this mass trek up to Beijing. So we arranged with our hotel to leave a backpack to ease what we had to carry. Half way to the train station lynsey checked some paper work & realised we were actually not coming back & it was Beijing where we were stopping next. Q mad taxi dash back to the hotel to grab our other rucksack, but we still caught the train, just! Our only issue so far.

We Arrived in China - Guilin with relative ease, although the Customs / immigration bit was slightly strange & slow from Hong Kong.

Its very hot & humid, way more than hong Kong was. For the canadians & australians among us its probably not too bad, sweat city for us from the uk tho! Especially carrying backpacks.

This place is amazing! once you get over the initial culture shock! The hills & mountains even put yorkshire to shame ;) Weve been wandering around most days & nights taking in the atmosphere & sheer carnage that develops before you. Obviously everything is soooo cheap, not netto cheap, moreso, I'd go as far as saying its middlesbrough cheap ;)

Picked up a 2GB Mini SD card for my camera for less than 30 quid, as the guy said its 30 pound (when converted) but i can also give you discount, Jesus! Back home cheap new ones off ebay cost 35 quid & thats for a 1GB card. Cracking shopping!

We went down one of the rivers yesturday on a boat, which gave great views all around us, then ended up in some small town with a huge chinese meal for about 4 quid, for 12 dishes not bad =)

Me n lynsey spent the morning learning Ti-Chi (dave pls correct me im sure ive spelt it wrong) from a local expert. Lynsey proclaims we are taking this up when we get back(we have even enquired to how much it is to come back for 1-3 months to learn from the master =) ). Wonder how long it takes to learn how to produce fireballs ;) Sound affects not allowed, but im sure i can develop my own.

Lynseys loving the place now, after the initial shock. Main difference between here & hong kong is everyone seems to stare at you a lot, like theyve never seen westerners before. Im sure its just my good looks tho ;) Whilst out walking last night lynsey & natasha were asked to take a photo by some chinese or koreans, they thought yeah we'll take a photo for you. They actually meant they wanted a photo with them, lol. Trophy photos to take back home, strange yet amusing watching them move away quickly, after the realisation kicked in. These guys then proceded to follow us, run around in front & take photo's anyway. Normal around here we are told.

Right, were off to repack now, ready for an outing this afternoon to some type of show. Not sure exactly what this show is but its directed by the guy that did Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, so it could be cool =)

Just noticed this internet cafe has ET, so i might have a quick blast, as the midday temp is hot hot hot.

Sorry to hear about Terry jones - get well soon (one of the monty python guys)

Havent seen any football since leaving hong kong which is killing me! Just about to check saturdays scores, fingers crossed... Love United Hate Glazer is now present throughout Amstedam, Italy, some station is france & the drifters cafe in China - Guilin, where they were happy for me to put it up. My first legal sticker ;)