Final note from Beijing

This day was spent sleeping in, and going to Silk alley to check out some cheap shopping of brand clothes and jewelry. Since we dont normally use branded clothing, like Gucci and Armani... we're sure you all will be shocked when we get back in suits and bling bling... Regardless, the experience was entirely terrifying, with people screaming "handsome boy/man" after Joakim and "beautiful girl/lady" after Sophie (in short, a total ego trip, yeeehaw!), all the while grabbing our arms and trying to get us into their store place. The curious thing is that almost all the "stores" have identical stuff, and it makes you wonder why you need 40 stores in a row with the exact same clothes, shoes, jewelry and so on.

Sophie had originally planned on buying a pair of "genuine" Converse All Stars, but the producers of these shoes (Converse, right?), apparently decided to put the Converse sticker on the inside of the shoes instead... must have been that particular shipment only... hmmm....

Instead Sophie bought, mostly for fun, a jade jewelry piece (of shit...) for 50 yuan (roughly 50 swedish kronor)... originally though the seller wanted almost 300 for it!! But, like we already said we just walked away and the bargaining took care of itself.

So, to sum up Beijing here are some thoughts:
Hostel was fantastic, except some plumbing problems. But definately recommended for anyone visiting Beijing. The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone spoke great english and were very helpful. Also, the music was a plus (right now Red hot chili peppers) and there were two guitars there for everyone to use.

If anyone wants to visit only beijing, its definately possible to do without guides. You can make your point across and understand what is being said anyway. You do need some sort of translation book though, for when it gets a little bit hard... like ordering food so you know what you are eating (we dont recommend pigs bowels...).

Simatai is definately worth visiting before Badaling, and it was relatively easy to go there. Make sure to be there early before the tourist groups. We left the bus terminal at 6 in the morning, and we had an hour by ourself on the wall.

Carrying toilet paper and cleansing tissues with you at all times actually is a good idea. No joke... for real... this is from Daddy Joakim and Mommy Sophie... we only want what is best for you.

In closing, when the olympics comes to beijing in 2008, it will probably look completely different and very much nicer. Not a day goes by without some part of the pavement completely changes from being in a state of ruin, to being built on, to being finished and covered in dust. People work seemingly day and night.

Coolest thing in Beijing:
Being alone on the wall, with its serene environment. And the parks (behai park and summer palace).

PS: Bottled Green Ice Tea tastes like flavoured soap water, dont ever try it.

Now we have to eat something at the hostel in order to go to bed early so we can get up early to catch the flight to Xian at 730 in the morning.

More on Xian later.

Its great to see people commenting btw. More of that!

Meh! Ish ml