What I plan to do while I'm there

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Ok, well I'm still in the UK (boo!!) but am leaving sunny 'ull in less than 65 hours (yah!!!). I'm still half way through my guidebook, so don't know much about China, but I've got a better idea of the things I want to see. This is my list of things to see/do while I'm there:

• Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tianneman Square, Summer Palace, Terracotta Soldiers (not too fussed about the last one, I'll see how much it costs)
  
• Visit Shaolin Temple in Henan and see crazy kung fu moves. Not participating.
  
• Sezchuan- see crazy Chinese opera, eat some dog, eat too much chilli, feel sick.
  
• Buy a wristwatch with a picture of the Queen on it (or the Pope).
  
• See one of those old men who uses a commorond to fish, like on the HSBC advert.
  
• See some Pandas, don't get too close.
  
• Visit Thames Town (English village recreation) in Shanghai.
  
• Go get pissed in a karaoke bar and see old Chinese men singing Whitney Houston. Second choice: Celine Dion.
  
• Visit The World theme park in Beijing.
  
• Visit that zoo where you can fish for lions with chickens. Does anyone know where this is??
  
• Tiger Mountain Village, Guillin- eat bear or tiger, or at least snake & crocodile.
  
• Visit a buddhist temple, see some monks. Do not touch.
  
• Visit Tsingtao brewery
  
• Sail down the Yangzte River
  
• Sleep in a cave
  
• Traditional Chinese massage
  
• Acupuncture
  
• Learn to eat rice with chopsticks
  
• Visit Macau and make a bet I can't afford
  
• See the giant Buddha
  

Well thats it so far, probably enough to keep me occupied for the 9 weeks after the summer school finishes. I think I'll be finishing off in Macau because I only bought a single entry visa. Have found a flight from Macau to Bangkok early November for £25-right deal!!

I'm also quite thrilled by the quick succession of natural disasters that China seems to be experiencing since I've found out I'm going: Riots, Flooding, Landslides, Swine Flu, Typhoon, and (my personal favourite) Pneumonic Plague!!! HAHAHA!!!!

The prospect of a dull, non-eventful trip was getting to me a bit, it seems the Gods heard my pleas, and I think by the time I've settled in, it'll be just about time for the death of the first born sons! (With the one child policy, that really would cause some trouble!)

The plan for Dubai is much shorter, but with average weather conditions around the forty degree mark, should be a bit of a mission! I'm packing my bags tomorrow, and spending Wednesday up in Manchester getting my hair cut with my amazing hairdresser and seeing some people. My amazing packing skills are struggling, and my bag already weighs a ton, even though theres no clothes in it. I might bin it all and take my little 35l rucksack istead.

Thats all folks! I probably won't write another message until I'm settled in Nanjing at the Summer school, so don't hold your breath!!

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Comments

[Chris]

DONT EAT DOG!!!! WOOF!!! Write what you think of the acupuncture