After a hearty breakfast of Wifi and Cappucino, we set off for a traffic free, beautiful sunny day, 430km drive to the Confucius Temple in Qufu. I'll not go into a history lesson on Confucius because, to be honest, I didn't listen to Kevin, our guide for the day. Let's just say he (Kong Zi) seemed a pretty smart fellow 2,500 years ago and still commands a huge following both here and abroad. Lunch was slightly wierd, with dubious looking Cao Li suddenly producing a packet of Oreo cookies just as we were sitting down to eat. Then, going round the table passing cookies one by one, we found ourselves befuddled as to why on earth she would be insisting we eat an Orea cookie before a beautiful Qufu lunch. Sinclair, in a bid never to ... read more

Leaving in four days.... Unfortunately my best friend and companion will have to stay home and dog the fort. Monza was born in Singapore and very reluctantly moved with me to Shanghai back in '08. Together we have probably walked more than 6,000km, but this time, buddy, you gotta stay home. Monza has been with me since '02 along with another whippet, Marco, and two Italian Greyhounds, Como and Capri. Capri is in the clouds now, and Marco and Como stayed behind in Singapore. There aren't many sighthounds in China. In four years, I've only ever seen one greyhound, two whippets, one Saluki and one Italian greyhound. I have not stumbled across any breeders. The Chinese believe that skinny dogs are bad luck. But not only are whippets the dogworld's biggest secret, they bring both joy ... read more

Hey team, you are each to purchase a hat of any shape or form for one of your team mates during the trip and on the 14th April, Funny Hat Day, we will all be required to wear our designated hat the entire day ! Anyone who fails to comply will have to perform a punishment as ordered by the buyer of that hat. Punishments must be judged to be reasonable and within the boundaries of Chinese law (ie no acts that may cause grievance to the locals). Suggested punishments such as drinking snake blood are totally acceptable. Those that do not comply will have to hitchhike their way back to Shanghai !... read more

Pre-departure breakfast: Date: Saturday 31st March Time: 10:00am Location: Yi Cafe, 2nd Floor, Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong, Shanghai Required attendance: ALL SIX MEMBERS OF THE EXPEDITION Dean, Lily, Sinclair, Stella, Ying Chu, Liu Yong. Friends and Family welcome to join our breakfast but let me know beforehand. WE LEAVE AT NOON ON SATURDAY 31st MARCH !!!!! First day, a 450km drive to Huai'an which could take 5 hours, so we need to depart at noon sharp.... read more

Introducing my co-driver and partner in crime, Cao li. Definitely not an experienced driver by any means, but this trip will change all that ! Cao li currently lives in Shenzhen, speaks fluent English, and is a healthy vegetarian, hence the silky snow white complexion. Since her childhood, Cao li has often dreamed of seeing the world and experiencing the different cultures. During this trip, Cao li will also double as the CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer), performing dances for the native villagers in return not being boiled alive in a white cabbage soup ! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Cao Li on the formation of her new company. A real CEO now !... read more