During our stay, we stayed in 2 youth hostels, one to the north of the city and the other more central. They were both in Hutong areas, which are the old town with narrow streets, a little dusty and dirty, but full of people leading their everyday lives. Little shops line the streets, from tiny dodgy restaurants to double glazing workshops. Here, Phil found a taylor to take in his baggy shirt and take up his long trousers. The taylor did such a profession job! The city was gently restoring these areas to keep them, rather than them growing into slum areas. The hostels were helpful, we spent an evening watching Chinese acrobats, all children doing some fantastic balances, tumbles and jumps! We went to see the Great Wall and hired bikes for the day. We
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