31 March
Spent a few more days in Paraty dodging the rain and looking around the town. Visited the old fort... Forte Defensor built in 1703 and complete with the original six cannons .
Failed to mention that some of Paraty was flooded during our stay particularly nearer the sea end. Once a month when there is a Full Moon and the tide is high, seawater rises from its normal levels, and pours into the Historic Center District through special openings in the seawalls that separate the city from the harbor. The streets are only flooded for a short time, until the tide recedes.
1 March – Left Paraty by bus and headed direct to Rio de Janeiro.

Our host at the Pousada in Paraty had sufficiently terrified us with stories of recent shootings and stabbings to make us feel at total ease for our stay in Rio. Apparently there was a shooting between two rival favela druglords only a few days before. Nice!!!!

Anyway our first taste of Rio was that our bags had been opened en-route. Luckily my dirty laundry was the first thing the would-be thiefs would have come across......and must have scared them off!!!
Got to Rio Bus Terminal late evening in the middle of a rain storm. It wasn´t the best place to be in the dark, so to be on the safe side got a cab to our the Best Western hotel at Copacabana. The area of Copacabana at night wasn´t great and not wanting to stray far in a strange area renowned for being unsafe at night, decided not venture out.
2nd March – Copacabana, Rio
Just to get things straight Barry Manilow sang about the Copacabana night club in New York not the área in Rio.
The Sun was out in Rio so headed out to explore the beaches. They were amazing, White sand that stretches over 4 kilometers. Although one thing did bother me....where are all the Chicas....it could have been Worthing beach!!! Also, I was suprised by the fact the whole length of the beaches were lined by hotel, not a fish and chip shop or amusement aracade anyway; Cut throught to Ipanema where the vibe was totally different to that of Copacabana mainly because it is the more affluent área of Rio.
Caught a taxi to one of Rio´s famous landmarks, Big Jesus also known as the statue of Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. By the time we got there the clouds had come down so we decided to do it another day. Travelled across the city to the Centro área....a bit of a disapointment. It wasn´t the most attractive área and we struggled to find anything of interest, with the exception of the Cathedral (Seen one you´ve seen them all).
So far disspointed by a city that nearly everyone ravs on about.

31 March Spent a few more days in Paraty dodging the rain and looking around the town.  Visited the old fort... Forte Defensor built in 1703 and complete with the original six cannons . Failed to mention that some of Paraty was flooded during our stay particularly  nearer the sea end. Once a month when there is a Full Moon and the tide is high, seawater rises from its normal levels, and pours into the Historic Center District through special openings in the seawalls that separate the city from the harbor. The streets are only flooded for a short time, until the tide recedes.  1 March – Left Paraty by bus and headed direct to Rio de Janeiro.   Our host at the Pousada in Paraty had sufficiently terrified us with stories of recent shootings and stabbings to make us feel at total ease for our stay in Rio.  Apparently there was a shooting between two rival favela druglords only a few days before. Nice!!!!   Anyway our first taste of Rio was that our bags had been opened en-route.  Luckily my dirty laundry was the first thing the would-be thiefs would have come across......and must have scared them off!!! Got to Rio Bus Terminal late evening in the middle of a rain storm.  It wasn´t the best place to be in the dark, so to be on the safe side got a cab to our the Best Western hotel at Copacabana.  The area of Copacabana at night wasn´t great and not wanting to stray far in a strange area renowned for being unsafe at night, decided not venture out. 2nd March – Copacabana, Rio Just to get things straight Barry Manilow sang about the Copacabana night club in New York not the área in Rio.  The Sun was out in Rio so headed out to explore the beaches.  They were amazing, White sand that stretches over 4 kilometers.  Although one thing did bother me....where are all the Chicas....it could have been Worthing beach!!!   Also, I was suprised by the fact the whole length of the beaches were lined by hotel,  not a fish and chip shop or amusement aracade anyway;  Cut throught to Ipanema where the vibe was totally different to that of Copacabana mainly because it is the more affluent área of Rio. Caught a taxi to one of Rio´s famous landmarks, Big Jesus also known as the statue of Christ the Redeemer ('Cristo Redentor') atop Corcovado mountain, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.  By the time we got there the clouds had come down so we decided to do it another day.  Travelled across the city to the Centro área....a bit of a disapointment.  It wasn´t the most attractive área and we struggled to find anything of interest, with the exception of the Cathedral (Seen one you´ve seen them all). So far disspointed by a city that nearly everyone ravs on about.

I've moved my blog to http://journals.worldnomads.com/justin/

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Yangshuo - Balloon

Up at 5:30 am to take balloon ride over the valley and river. Fantastic!!!!! Not a clear day but spectacular all the same.

Spent the rest of the day chilling out and writing up my blog. Halloween tonight at Monkey Jane’s Roof top bar

Memorable Points: Floating up above the streets and houses

Yangshuo - Bike Ride

I had booked a guide for the day to show me round the local area by bicycle. Me, the guide and two others set out and headed up one of the riverbanks. The views and scenery were amazing. The cycled through local farming villages where they were harvesting the rice. The images one would have of rural China......rice fields, buffalo wondering around, Chinese in straw hats.........you get the picture.

After a well deserved beer I headed down to the Yangshou light show which everyone had been banging and raving about. Too be honest I wasn't overly impressed, it was very “nice”

Memorable Points: Cycling through the farmlands......stunning!

Guilin – Yangshuo

I had previously booked a ticket for a river trip from Guilin to Yangshuo. The scenery was amazing albiet hazy again. The river meandered its way south, and from the boat I was able to see many of the locals going on about their daily business on the river, with mountains making an beautiful backdrop

Amongst others, I hooked up with a nice Swiss couple on the boat, and once in Yangshuo checked into a local youth hostel. Chatted to several residents of the hostel over a beer or two. One of the travellers here is from Hove, small world.

That evening went out to dinner and drinks with a few people from the hostel, and ended up in Monkey Janes Rooftop bar. After a few games of beer ping pong with Jane and some others in the bar I staggered back to the hostel via several more streets than I had original anticipated. Basically I got lost, since it was dark and all the bars had closed up I got a bit disorientated. More offers a massage........I must have really looked tired.

Beijing – Guilin

Up early to catch an early flight to Guilin. Once at Guilin airport, got the bus to the centre, checked into a hotel, dumped my stuff and went exploring. The park called “elephant trunk park” (see photo). It was extremely hot and humid but the park was worth visit.

Spent the rest of the day in Guilin which is a busy city but nowhere near as busy as Beijing. It had a good feel about it and I welcomed the change. Met a Chinese guy as I looked at my map, we got chatting, and he gave advice on where to eat. I asked him to join me and he later to took me his brothers tea shop where they had a little tea ceremony. As a thank you I brought a little of the local tea. Although as write this I do fancy a mug of PG and hobnob!!!

Memorable Points: I’m now getting tired now of being offered a “Massage” when walking back to my accommodation of nighttime........why do people here have massages so late? :-)

Beijing Sightseeing

Felt rough from the night before so didn't have the early start I’d hoped for. Got the bus to the Temple of Heaven. An area covering 2.73 km² of parkland, and comprises three main worshipping areas and buildings. Very interesting and spent most of the day here. Took time out to explore the surrounding parkland before visiting the Lama Temple.

Upon exiting the underground station the smell of incense got stronger and stronger the nearer I got to the temple. So I knew I was going in the right direction. Very beautiful temples once inside, and many of the locals paid homage to Buddha. The Buddhist monks still carry on with the daily chores whilst trying to stop the tourist from taking photos and wandering into forbidden area.

Found a bar with a wi-fi signal and called home from outside. Since I had spent so long using the bar’s wi-fi signal I felt obligated to get some food. Spent the rest of the evening chatting to Lydia’s boyfriend talking about all sorts of random stuff and drinking the local beer. Had a lovely evening and was made very welcome

Memorable Points: Spending the evening in Lydia's Café, Pizza, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple and smelling like a hippy

Beijing Sightseeing

Clare had to go home today. I joined her and the rest of the group on the coach to airport in the early hours. I think we both knew it would be difficult saying goodbye given all the things we have experienced in the last few days, and knowing that we wouldn't see each other for some time.

After an emotional farewell returned to hotel, felt somewhat alone. Something I never felt as I’ve surrounded myself with friends and loved ones. It's something I'll have to get used to.

Spent the rest of the morning with those remaining members of the group at the Summer Palace on the outskirts of Beijing. Very beatiful area and again, a mecca for the Chinsese tourists. The rest of the group caught their train to Xi'an and then I was really on my own.

Spent the rest of the afternoon having a wandering before heading to Hoi Han; a lively bar area in Beijing. Felt strange being alone, but a made a few calls home and got something to eat. I was later drawn into a bar where a band where playing led by two Chinese girls on lead guitars. At this point met some Canadians and some Australians so things didn’t turn out too bad.

Memorable Points: Said goodbye to Clare :-(

Beijing Sightseeing

The rest of the group had arranged various things but Clare and I had decided to do our own thing. We headed off for the Olympic Stadium. Obviously still a very popular tourist attraction since it was swarming. Went into the stadium, which was amazing, more so knowing all the things that had gone on only a few months previously. Chilled out in the seats for a bit to take it all in. Headed back for the hotel via Tiananmen Square by which time was illuminated. Looked more impressive than when I saw it last when the city was in smog.

Memorable Points: Tiananmen Square, Olympic Stadium, More photos taken by Chinese and filmed by a camera crew.

The Great Wall - Mutianyu to Juyongguan

A short bus transfer took us to Juyongguan which is very commercialized and touristy part of wall. The acscent was extremely steep with hundreds of steps and hundreds of Chinese clambering up and the wall. Many of the Chinese took great delight in having their picture taken with me and Ian, (another guy from the trip). Very funny.

This was to be the final section of the wall, and to be honest I was “walled” out by this point. Reflecting back on the last few days in has been a wonderful experience and one I'll never forget. A wonderful time and shared with a great bunch of people.

Heading back into Beijing and went out in the evening for a celebratory meal and drinks in the city.

Memorable Points: Having the lots of Chinese take my photo, celebratory meal and drinking in Beijing

The Great Wall - Simatei to Mutianyu

There was a huge down pour in the evening which had cleared the haze which we have had until today. Now clear blue skies and sunshine. Hoorah!!!

The coach took us to Mutianyu to start today’s walk about a three hour drive from the previous location. Not a great day’s walk today since the largest part of it was a long concrete road leading up to the foot of the wall. There was a cold wind today, and it was freezing. Not helped by hanging around waiting for others to catch up.

However, once on the wall again things picked up and we were able to pick up the pace again and appreciate the views. The way down was via a toboggan run. Great fun, despite the safety men telling me to slow down at every corner – spoilsports

At the bottom I was overwhelmed by the local traders trying to sell me all sorts of crap. Most of which I’d seen many times before throughout trip, that said I was very tempted by a waving Mao Tse-tung watch

Memorable Points: Clear Blue Skies, Mao Tse-tung watch (and the extent of crap the Chinese will try to sell you), toboggan run

The Great Wall - Jinshanlin to Simatei

A great and long day's trekking. Very challenging, particularly on the unrestored sections of the wall with the loose bricks and uneven ground underfoot. At the end of the walk the quickest way down was via a zip slide over the valley and river below. A great way to finish the day.

Memorable Points: Fantastic views, zip slide,

The Great Wall - Gubeiko to Jinshanlin

Walk through the local villages and farmland to pick up the wall again. Once walking to the highest point for this section the view was amazing. The wall just went on the miles and miles, which obviously it does that was the whole point, but to see the enormity for the viewpoint was break taking. A great days walking and everyone in great spirits, a challenging but fun day. The final stretch was into Jinshanlin a restored section of the wall.

Memorable Points: Spectacular views, Ice Lollies at the summit (thank you little Chinese farmer man), Beating Emma (14 years my junior) up the final stretch of steps…I’ve still got it!

The Great Wall - Mountain Village to Gubeiko

Said goodbye to our hosts and headed up through the local farming terraces, and rocky hillsides to rejoin the wall, which was not restored and crumbling so we took the path adjacent to it. Great views from the ridge and the highest point. We dropped down through the hillside back into the valley and again though the local farms and villages. Later picked up by the coach which took up Gubeiko, the next point on the wall we would start from the next day.

Memorable Points: Fantastic views. Pringles and Cadbury's chocolate éclairs