Beijing!

The train pulled into the city (on time! Someone should tell British Rail that it is possible...)to be greeted by grey and smog. The spring dust storms had left a rather unflattering look behind them, but not enough to hide how incredible it is. Quite simply, I loved this city. Over my few days there I discovered that I actually do like Chinese food after all (although duck feet are an exception to that rule), that I really really can't speak Chinese, and that I can, in fact, read a map!


I visited the Forbidden City on my first full day there, which was stunning - even in the rain. Had my photo taken by strangers and tasted real Peking duck...with real Peking people.













Day two was a walk in the park. Literally. Beihai Park was a lovely place to spend a day - walking, watching the locals learn to dance and scaring the shit out of myself by climbing to the top of the Jade Isle and visiting the White Pagoda.








But day three was the real winner. I trip to the Great Wall and Summer Palace. Me and my fear of heights made it all the way to the top of the highest point of the wall (there were almost tears...) and back down again. It really is one of the scariest things I've done (up there with the helicopter flight over Grand Canyon) and some of the most impressive views I've ever seen. Plus it means I am now officially a hero :-) In Chinese culture you become a hero by making it to the top!

Not to mention my new celebrity status! Half way down the wall (just as I was beginning to have a panic attack about never making it down the incredibly steep stairs), a girl approached Grant (the Chinese guy who came with Ben and I for the day) and asked if she could have a photo taken with me. There followed a paparazzi style amount of photos with lots of other people asking to have a picture with me too. And all because I am beautiful...apparently. Perhaps this is why I liked china so much?!

I was sad to leave the city, and have decided to re-jig my travel plans to give me a chance to see more of the country. So after Korea, I'll be heading back to China for about three weeks before meeting Stacy in Thailand for a little sun and gossip...