It was a really early start today. Up at 4.35, left at 5am. We had 3 mini buses to take us down the mountain to Mr Pandas Hostel to pick up our backpacks. We then set off to the first bus stop. It is always difficult making sure we can all fit in the bus with our backpacks on! We had about an hour or so on the first bus, then off and onto the second one. This was only a short journey but the walk to get their was about half an hour, and let me just point out that at that time in the morning with no breakfast, or a cup of tea, and I am carrying about 17k now, (due to dumping some stuff!), isn't easy! After another walk, we finally arrived at ... read more

Day 9 - Terracotta Army and the Muslim quarter Up at 6.30, reasonable breakfast at the hostel this morning, then at 8am we set off to catch the public bus to go to see the Terracotta Army. For the first time, we came together as a group and got to the meeting point on time....yayyyy It was about an hour and a half bus journey with only one change, but with 118 of us plus two guides, that's not a straight forward task. There is about a 15 minute walk once you actually get past the ticket point. It is very tourist based. My eyes were are all over the place as there is so much to look at! We finally got there. First we watched a film on how it was discovered and then excavated. ... read more

Day 7 - Panda breeding research Centre and the Leshan giant Buddha We had another early start today. Up at 6.15 for a 7o'clock leave. I had ordered scrambled egg and toast as I knew it was going to be a long day. One room full slept in which caused bother, but we managed to catch up time. We saw quite a few pandas of varying ages at the research centre, and then 3 red pandas ( which I didn't realise existed!) it was interesting to see them; I was pleased I went, but when you've seen, you've seen them. It was a zoo setting, so you were very limited as to what you could actually see. We left there at about 11am, about half the group had chosen to go to see the Leshan giant ... read more

Day 5 - A relaxing day, and a 'hot cupping' experience I have felt like I have been rushing and on the go since leaving work on Friday, so last night and today I have allowed myself some quiet time! I started by having an easy early night.... Hhhmmmmmm.... Enjoyed that long sleep too. I started watching The Hobbit on my iPad, but didn't actually get to see very much of it! All the young ones were partying in the bar, here at Monkey Jaynes. Get on it....whilst you physically and mentally can! That's what I think! So I started off this morning with a lush breakfast. Scrambled egg with toast, cucumber and tomato..... Fruit with yoghurt, mango juice, and then caPer it off with a cup of fresh green tea! I sat there for, what ... read more

Day 3 - leaving Hong Kong for Yangshuo The leaving journey was a shock! The backpack was a killer: far too heavy! Three underground train journeys, then an overground train which took about 2 hours later, we were all struggling. We crossed the China border which was all a bit surreal on foot. The rep was stuck in traffic, so we were hanging in the unknown for a while, we were unsure if the overnight bus would wait for us, but again, it all worked out in the end. Finally, the rep arrived and 5 taxis took us to the waiting, and very much delayed, overnight bus. We boarded the bus and took our bed for the night. I was pleasantly surprised with the overnight stint. It gave me a chance to catch up on the ... read more