Dead Fish!!

Ok, so everyday I need to ask Gem what day it is at least four times and know I'm trying to remember what days we did things on as well it is getting harder. I think we are now on Wednesday but all concept of days and time have left my head (a little bit like being at home, when I never knew when 9am was i.e. the time to start work ;) but worse)

We wake up late-ish, legs still ache and the plan was to go the Forbidden City. We then realise that the buildings are only open til 3.30pm so decide to leave this til tomorrow and head off in search of Beihai park instead.

Feeeling slightly brave this morning we stop off at some street stalls for some breakfast - nothing too adventurous - mainly bread but ridiculously feel very happy with ourselves with communicating with the nice Chinese lady - we've have learnt the hand signs for the numbers 1-10 and these are coming in very useful.

We continue walking, passed Tianenmen Square and up round the side of the Forbidden City and keep going. More walking, followed by more walking and then yep, some more walking until we turn the corner eventually and its there. The guide book describes this park as 'largely lake'!!! hmmmmm, me and Gem soon discover they have drained the lake :) and its under reconstruction as is the temple and most of the other buildings on the island in the middle. This city is going to look amazing for the Olympics!!! The rest of its is lovely though and me and Gem spend the next few hours wandering round.

You feel somewhat a celebrity in these parts when you are constantly being stared at. People aren't ashamed to do so either - the flip flops seem to be causing most amusement!! - and its all a little odd. We carry on regardless. Funniest moment happens when again me and Gem are approached and asked if we would mind having our photo taken??? This time by a young chinese boy on a class school trip it looks like. He's laughing while asking probably thinking we're going to say no, but hey why not?? We say yes and at this moment the whole class from this boys school is running towards me and Gem. Aaaagggghhhhh!!! :)

Its no use the feet will no longer work by the time we leave the park - so we have a choice bus or taxi??? hmm, new experience but there is no way there is going to be anymore walking. We make to the bus stop and then flag down the next taxi????? He has no idea what we're saying, where we want to go, but with whatever signs we used and with the help of the map we made it to our destination without being ripped off. oh yeah!! this chinese travelling thing is easy.

Confidence is up, we're starving so we head off to a small restaraunt not far from the hotel. Mmmmmm!!! It brilliant, sweet and sour pork, rice and deep fried potato things with drinks for about 3.50 pounds total!!! :)

The photos of the food are for you DJ :) Make sure you see the dead fish in the other one too. This was the only slightly concerning thing in the restaraunt. A fish about a foot and a half long dead floating on its back in the fish tank - dont know why but it cracked me up. Note to self - dont order fish off the menu!!

Back to the hostel and straight back out again - we are off to see the Chinese Acrobatics. Simple you would think but this firstly involves a 5min walk which involves crossing the road - not an easy thing to do here!! Follow the Chinese and hope for the best.

Show is amazing - some of the stunts the do are unbelievable!! the choereographed bits in the middle however to join everything together - comedy genius!!

A quick game of chicken with the traffice on the way home again, some drinks in the bar and lights out. I think we are turning in to old ladies!!