Well been a busy bee whilst in Beijing, yesterday moved hostels to one in a bit more of a busy area which was a bit traumatic as taxi driver didnt really kno where we were goin and kept shouting at us in chinese, then got a fright as hostel had big plastic construction cover over entrance so thought crap its a dump but luckily was just getting outside done up as was really nice inside, really warm (which need here as its freezing) and clean. Had a bit of an adventure after that and got on a bus, yes a bus in china wer no one speaks english and there are no english signs, been treally tough but receptionist women told us wer to get on and wrote down our destination in chinese to show driver, managed to get to wer we wanted- The Temple of heaven, like the largest architectual complex of its day. The temple was amazing, huge big buddhist temples representing heaven and earth in the middle of these beautiful grounds, wow!!!! Was so cold and wet yesterday tho so made an investment in some thermals, hat, scarf, gloves and a coat all for the grand total of about 12quid, bargain!!! Was really good day, so tiring tho as lots of walking, sampled some noodles and mastered the art of chopsticks, pol still struggles tho and has opted to carry a plastic set of cuttlery around so funny seein peoples faces wen she whips them out. Last night had our first real peking duck in peking (beijing to the rest of us, peking in china), was really nice then the chinese dudes on next table started chattin to us so we got to learn some basic chinese over some beers and a laugh, was good til they wanted to pay for our meals and one guy whipped out a wad of cash, think he was chinese mafia or something and not wishing to be indebted to the mob we declined the offer of a free meal but think we offended him as he left sharpish in a bit of a huff, o well!!
Was feeling a bit homesick yesterday as place is so far from home and so completely different, noone speaks english and no home comforts really like a coffee shop or western style food (only food hear still has a head on or is something randomly disgusting like sheeps penis or pigs trotters) so got bit panicey, was missing everone too, especially mum, nan and ash. Being in this new hostel helped as lots of backpackers in this one and theres a proper travellers cafe with english people. Had two american room mates in with us ladst night too who are really nice and went out with them today so bit more fun touring as a group. Today we went to the famous Tianamen square and the forbidden city. Really impressive places, especially the square as its huge and very poignant due to its history wer thousands of students demonstarting against communism wer gunned down in a tragic massacre 20 years ago! Back in hostel now just chilling with a coffee, feel bit better now, still missing home and china still bit alien to me but im glad i came to see these things that i'll never get a chance to see again. Off to the great wall of china in day or two, miss u all at home, love lots x x x
