The Great Wall Hike 13th September

5.30am start to go to the Great Wall. Didn't want to do a tour but after my recent experience with public transport and language I decided to take ease and a bit more money over pain, tragedy and saving 2 pounds. So a 3 hour coach ride to Jinshingling where we clamber up to the wall to start our 10- 12km hike. No guide as such but soon we have Ling following us, giving us titbits of information and kindly offering us a picture book for 35 Yuan. Apart from the many sellers of water, cola and beer, it was a marvellous way to see the wall. The sky was blue and the scenery was fantastic and we really saw the wall. 4hrs hours walking and then over a rope bridge to the finish line at Si Ma Tai. A drink and back on the coach for 3 hours back to Beijing. I feel like death warmed up by the time I arrive home and so get a bit of kip before trying to eat and make plans for the next day. I get roped into beer drinking and music making in the hostel bar - meet Lucio and Clarence, two great guitar players - who encourage me to play my accordion and accompany me for a few numbers and then retire to drinking with my nice room-mates. Two guys from USA, Mike and Marc - who are really good fun and not too stereotypically American (until drunk) and Carson, from Germany who is working here for a year, also Phillipa from the UK, who's birthday it is, Happy Birthday Phillipa (who gets a special Amelie Waltz with Mike!) I feel like Mum and kick everyone to bed as we have an early start to the Forbidden City tomorrow.