BeakerH

Last day...my flight is on Sat about 1am so today i attempted to walk and see as much of Hong Kong island as possible. I dunno i just wasn't feeling it. I think after spending the last few days in and around Yangshuo i've been spoilt, also i've had such great company too. Left Florence's in the morning and headed straight to Central station to check in my luggage. I think it's so fantastic that you can check in your luggage in the city centre without having to go to the airport. So easy. The first thing to do was to check out the Peak tram. Hong Kong is so well sign posted that it was easy enough to find. Got stuck just in front of a bunch of Aussie guys who were in HK for ... read more

Having spent the last few days with great company it was a little sad to be saying goodbye. But heading off to Hong Kong to see Florence was exciting. Spent the day walking around Yangshuo with the guys. Said goodbye to Valentino early on and then checked out of the hostel. I really would recommend this hostel as they were very obliging. Were able to store our luggage in the reception area until the bus that evening. Still used the internet and was able to use the roof top terrace and watch tele. Never once did i feel i was taking the mick. Oh...had my first ever foot massage! As there wasn't much to do we paid 30Y each to have a 30min foot and shoulder massage. Some got more than they bargined for! Chavi and ... read more

Half-Birthday guys!! YIPEEEE!! Ok first off, my bum is sore from the cycling yesterday. So instead of joining Alex and James on another bike ride with their friends, i joined Jael and Chavi for the day. The plan was to get a bus to Yangdi town, then walk to Xingping and finally get a raft back to Yangshuo. Such a lovely day out, but so hot. I think i've finally gotten use to the constant flow of sweat form my face. Another traveller called Lars (Germany) joined us for the day. Chavi was an excellent tour guide with his gift of speaking Chinese. As we walked down river we were constantly approached for bamboo raft offers. Chavi did his best to explain to them that we didn't need it as we were walking. Maybe there was ... read more

Ooopps! So i was meant to be ready in the reception at 5.30am for get a taxi to the airport with Jael and Chavi. But i somehow switched off my alarm. I was awoken to Jael whispering my name through the door! Luckily all i had to do was quickly dress while Jael brought my bag down. Driving to the airport at that time was great! I finally understood how people could go running outside...all they had to do was get up exceptionally early. The weather was very cool and the roads quiet. Ok first off...Drew...i had the nastiest experience in one of the squat toilets in the airport...i'll have to describe it to you in person as i don't want to offend anyone. GROSS So we thought we were all the same flight together but ... read more

Had a relaxing morning walking around Beijing. Checked out Tiananmen square...so packed! The communist party have been celebrating their 90th year so there was a big flag marking the dates! Went to the Foreign bookstore to get a phrase book...and maybe also look for a knew Rough guide of China...alas...they don't stock them! I'm not surprised as i'm sure it mentions something wrong about Taiwan! In the afternoon i headed to the airport to get my flight to Xi'an...less than 2 hrs flight...better than the 13hrs on the train. China Eastern Airline...checked in luggage no problem and the flight was so easy. Once in Xi'an airport got a taxi for 150Y to the hostel. The hostel is lovely, but then so was Peking international hostel in Beijing. After checking in i spent a few hours walking ... read more