Beijing - Jul 18, 2005 - Badaling, Beijing, China

After a relaxing ride on the Trans- Siberian - quite the way to travel, we arrived to the hussle and bussle of Beijing. We were much more relaxed in China it being our 3rd visit and had a great 3 days wondering around the old streets(hutong) where life really is played out on the pavement, scoffing our faces with yummy Chinese food and pacing the main sights. The hike down the Great Wall near Simitai in the mist was one to remember. What an incredible if futile human achievement building it in the first place and even more of a miracle me making the 11km hike up and down the steep terrain. It was piping hot and humid. We also enjoyed the Summer Palace(where noticeboards announce with glee how the Brits and French trashed the place after the Boxer Rebellions - lets not even mention the cultural Revolution!..) and the incredibhle Forbidden City. We were relieved to leave for Chengdu if only to escape the throngs of Chinese tourists!