:: zone3 ::

Was a nice train down from Beijing to Xi'an, sleeper trains really are the way to get around. Although, the Chinese are pretty exact on their lights out in the 3-up hard sleepers. Lights go out at 10pm on the dot and back on at 6am.

Yesterday went off to see the Terracotta Warriors. Did see them last time I was in Xi'an, but being the May holidays it was packed 5 deep with Chinese tourists. This time around it was a wet day and sort of the off season, so was able to get a much better look. Even the 2nd time seeing them, still very impressive. Can see that all the faces on them are different.

Ahhh... the Great Wall...

Have been to it before, but it is still impressive to see again.

Last time around when I was in China visited Mutianyu, this time Simatai. Simatai has a lot less tourists, makes it a lot nicer to visit. It has also been restored less so can get a better feel for what it is really like. Part of it is only a narrow run down path, it's not all like the majestic photos of the restored sections.

Back in China. Nice to be back visiting again.

Was expecting some nice sunny weather but arrived yesterday morning to rain in Beijing. Was only light, much finer today.

All a very un-eventful series of flights over. I'm beginning to think it is better to have a few delays or missed flights, at least it makes it a bit more exciting.

So far having the fun just adjusting to the time zone and catching up on sleep.


Have decided when travelling it's not the major cultural differences you really notice. As John Travolta put it in Pulp Fiction "It's the little differences." The big ones you're sort of ready for and they don't creep up on you. However the little ones are the ones that sneak in and blind side you.

Well the forbidden city is interesting for a visit, not really though the
place I'd go more than once or twice. Impressive number of old wooden
buildings, a lot of it under renovation for the Olympics though.

Saw a bunch of Beijing acrobats, sort of like a scene out of Oceans' 11,
but more impressive and went on for a good hour..

Mongolia was pretty cool to visit. Staying in a Ger camp made for nice
relaxing night. Went off horse ride for a couple of hours and then another
the next day after the night in the Ger. Ger's make for a nice warm place
to stay the night.

After headiing back to the Mongolian capital for a night, was on to more
trains. Then time a 30 hours on to Beijing. Sleeper trains do make for a
fun way to travel. Although a bit tight on space.

Beijing is like many monden Metropolis'. Getting around is pretty easy,
taxis everywhere. The traffic is interesting for crossing. Much like
Vietnam, walk across and hope the cars dodge you. Was surprised how clean the city is. Prob cleaner than central Wellington.

Off on holiday for the next 5 weeks to Russia, China and Mongolia...

Taking the Trans-Seb from St. Petersburg throuh to Beijing, then going on to Shanghai.