Great Wall

A recommendation from Brent. Don't take the usual tours to see the Great Wall. Have a look at the walks organised by Beijing Hikers.

I contacted the hikers a few weeks ago to see what they might have coming up in October. They got back to me saying they were in the process of organising their October walks. The very friendly guy asked when we were going to be there, what we were looking for etc and, without any promises, said they would see what they could do.

The October programme just came out and there, in the middle of the week we will be in Beijing, was a perfect walk. A less visited section of the Wall, a strenuous but not exhaustive walk - designed to perfection.

The pictures from previous walks along this section of the Wall looked great so I booked immediately.

Travelling Light

We have decided to travel light. No check-in luggage, just what we can carry in the cabin.

It will be an interesting test - 8 weeks with just one small bag each. The benefits are obvious. No airport queues at check-in and no waiting for bags at the other end. Travelling by train should also be much easier with just one small bag.

The downside is equally obvious. Fewer clothes, more often washing. No sharp instruments, so pocket knife, nail scissors etc will have to be left at home, perhaps to be purchased, and then left, in China.

I guess that if it all gets too hard we can purchase another case over there.

In the meantime, after much searching, we decided on this as our bag of choice. It meets the size requirements and has handles, shoulder strap and 'back-pack' straps as optional means of carrying it.

Two weeks and counting

With only two weeks to go, and with hotels and trains booked, attention has turned to what to see. As is usual, Andi has been looking at this for some time, reading widely and preparing lists, while I have left it all up to the last minute. Today, for the first time, I have directed my attention to a guide book. Thank god for Andi's attention to detail and even, I have to confess, her spreadsheets of things to see.

Hotels - part 3 (final)

Our last hotel booking has now been confirmed.

The Pig's Inn, or Pig's Heaven Inn, is in Xidi, a world heritage listed village near Huangshan.

So, one month to go and it seems that all our bookings are done. A few bus trips to be arranged when we are there but the basics (trains and hotels) are all now set. Time for some more detailed reading.