'The Wall' really is great.

No, I am not talking about an album by Pink Floyd. I mean the'Great Wall' - you know the one in China! Anyway we have travelled by coach for an hour and have arrived at the Mutianyu Great Wall. The scenery is breathtaking and the landscape very rugged. I didn't realise what a climb it is to get to the wall so accompanied by my friends Pedro, Frances and Rosa I have opted to travel to the top by cable car. We are all scared of heights, so we sing Guan Tanamera. This is the only song we all know that Pedro can join in with as he only speaks Spanish. I may need oxygen when I get there!

There is no oxygen for sale up here, but there is a man selling bottles of Coke and Walkers Crisps! This is very tempting, but he doesn't have bacon flavour and they seem expensive - Bu, taiguile!!! I am digressing, so back to the wall. There are no words to describe the structure or the view. I am 'gob smacked'! I will let the photo's do the talking for me.

Hanban, thank you ma'am

22nd November. A.M.

This morning I am visiting the Hanban Headquarters. It is a very impressive building. Within it there is a Chinese Experience Center. There are lots of things to look at and many interactive displays. As the photo's show it is extremely interesting.

The Forbidden City.

November 21st P.M.

According to my timetable we are going on a 'culture explore' and board the bus for the Forbidden City. You will see from the pictures that it is a very special place. The pot shown on the left is one of four at the entrance to the biggest temple. They were filled with water and were meant to be used if the temple caught fire. They did realise that they wouldn't work after a while, so they were never used.

There are many temples in the Forbidden City and on the ends of the roofs there are gold dragons. The number of dragons tells you how important the building is. For example: A building with ten dragons is more important than one with seven.

Chinese culture classes.

November 21st.

A.M.
This morning I have been lucky enough to attend classes on Chinese painting and calligraphy. We have the pleasure of being taught by two very distinguished artists. Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the painter. How rude of me! He is very good though. The calligraphy teacher is called Pu Sui (Por Shore). He is also a well know painter. He has been studying calligraphy since he was ten years old. Did you know that there are four types of Chinese calligraphy. They date back from 1000 to 4000 years ago. As you will see by the photo's I tried my hand at everything and am particularly proud of my lobsters and bamboo. I had to concentrate hard and got covered in ink, but found it very relaxing.

Learning the lingo...

20th November.
Today I have two Chinese language classes at the university. Lesson 1 is greeting people in chinese and lesson 2 is shopping in Chinese. Lesson 1 is not too bad, as I can already say hello and introduce myself. I am feeling a bit clever! Shopping in Chinese is another matter. I have to work with a partner and practise asking for items and bartering. We are told that when we are given a price we have to look shocked and say "Bu, taiguile" (Boo tie guay la)! This means "no - too much"! We must then say how much we are prepared to pay. This phrase is fast becoming a favourite with the UK contingent.

Having had a practise we have been taken to a market and let loose to have a go at bargaining. We have a task to work in groups of four and purchase a cup and a pen. It is a competition to see who can get the items for the best price  Our group is not too worried about winning the competition as we want to do some shopping of our own in case there isn't another opportunity.

I have made some purchases and feel that the traders are having a laugh at my expense. It is very hard to knock them down when things seem very reasonable anyway. Me thinks I must toughen up!

And so the training begins....

I finally checked in at the hotel at 8.00am. Am feeling tired, weepy and sick. We are supposed to be going on a tour of the city in one hour. We have been spared the tour and are allowed to rest. After lunch we are going to Beijing Language and Culture University for the opening ceremony.



At the opening ceremony we are treated to the usual speeches by Chinese Ambassadors from various countries. I have to use those earphone things to get translations. I feel very important. It is like being at the EU summit (I imagine). We are also treated to Chinese drummers and performances from the Peking Opera. Amazing! 

Time zones & jet lag

Friday November 19th.
Have landed at Beijing airport. It is 6.00am (local time). I am a little dazed by it all as I have been travelling for about fifteen hours, but it is twenty six hours later than when I left home - I think!! We have been met at the airport by representatives of Hanban with camera's. They want photo's already. Had to unchain myself from my Chinese friends as they are travelling on to Shanghai. Had my photo taken with a cardboard cut out of Confuscious and met Frank. Frank is to become the new Bob!!!!

All checked in and nowhere to go.

Thursday 18th November 6am (GMT). Have entered terminal 1 and surprise, surprise, still no tears or tantrums. I am being terribly grown up for someone so panicky. I  have checked at least ten times that I still have my passport and am clutching my e-ticket wondering what to do with it. A very nice assistant has come to my rescue. He will be known as Bob 2. Can't believe in this day and age there are still so many Bob's in the world! After checking me in and booking my seats Bob 2 says a cheery goodbye and sends me to check in my luggage.

Going through the security check was very strange. Had to put my liquids in a clear bag and remove my coat, belt and boots. The metal detector didn't go off so obviously my fillings are o.k! Haven't a clue what to do next and can't see anyone who looks like they might be from a school. I hear two Chinese ladies speaking Mandarin and my ears have shot up at the word 'Hanban'! I ask if they are going to Beijing. They are and are happy for me to tag along. I have now chained myself to them and will spend the next hour nodding appropriately at their conversation while not understanding a word!!! Think they may be referring to me though as I keep hearing 'ying guo ren' which I know means English person/people!

I'M ON MY WAY.

It is 4.00am Thursday 18th November. I am just leaving for Heathrow Airport. Didn't get to sleep until 1.00am, so am tired already. Have checked I still have my passport fifteen times! Suprisingly for one who hasn't been out of the UK for thirteen years I am surprisingly relaxed and I haven't taken my Kalms! Mr D is kicking me out at the door of Terminal 1. A good idea I think. If he comes in with me I will either cry or beg to be taken home - or both. Will let you know how I'm feeling in about fifteen hours time.

:s     :(      :)

Better Late Than Never!!

Couldn't access a computer while I was away, so was very disappointed not to send any new posts! Now I have my lap top, so here goes.

Bob's Your Uncle!

What a nightmare. Thank goodness for Bob at the sorting office. Bob might be someones uncle, but he is my hero! I arrived there at 11.30am only to be told that the office shuts at 12.30 and the postie wouldn't get back there until 1.30. Oh my, what's a girl to do? I burst into tears and played the 'femme fatale' card and the lovely Bob immediately took pity on me.

I returned at 1.30 and Bob found my passport for me. I was so relieved to get it I gave him a hug. He was horrified! He wished me a safe trip and ran back to the safety of his office. I LOVE YOU BOB. X

Wednesday 17th... Oh please Mr Postman!!

Hm, I have to leave before the postman arrives so my lovely neighbour kept a beady eye out for me.  Mr Postman wasn't very happy to leave my shiny new passport with my neighbour so it now means I have to wait at the sorting office for him to bring it back there! 

Tuesday 16th

My itinerary arrived by email this evening and I now know all of the exciting things I will be doing and seeing on my amazing adventure.  Now I just need my passport to turn up in the post tomorrow ready to fly out on Thursday!  Fingers crossed...