I thought that, coming from Japan, the culture shock might be smaller. I realised my Mandarin was woefully inept (read: non-existent) after the 4-hour flight sat next to a charming couple who made repeated attempts to communicate with me but, even with copious use of the phrasebook, didn't get far. About the only thing we agreed on was: kempei-cheers! Beijing aeroport was as most aeroports are: spacious, largely white and functional. The city itself is pure chaos, much like London - certainly the traffic is a little like London, although the traffic rules are flexibly enforced which makes for some interesting car journeys! There are thousands of bicycles here, often laden with passengers or goods - anything from building equipment to laundy, sometimes with a trailer and sometimes not. I was struck by how the chaotic
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