Beijing Pearl Ocean SAZ Hotel

... are now sold in the finest boutiques and department stores all over the world. Her much copied designs combine tusks, pearls, and clusters of vintage charms on bracelets and pendants that have become fashion classics. The line encapsulates Mawi's never-ending affection for history and the exploration of far-flung cultures. Victorian, military, royal,Flutter & Wow 18ct Gold Stiletto Earrings and punk ...

... the dance floor, wary of anyone lurching around (see #3 above).

We're having a fine time, until the DJ kills the music and clears the stage. With no warning, we're suddenly subjected to a bizarre amateur pose-off by a motley S&M troupe, followed by the come hither gyrations of a goth hula-hooper and finished off by the warblings of a half-made drag queen who forces Sammy to dance with him ...

... week staying at GuLou, both birnie and I have a very special place in our hearts for these girls. They became our friends and we were definitely sad to say goodbye to them. So if anyone ever heads to Beijing and are looking for budget accommodations, hit up GuLou Hostel. It is a very meager place to stay, but the staff is unmatched. And treat the girls kindly. They are truly one of a kind.

We decided not to party since we had a 430am wake up call to head out to ...

... unearthed in 1974. They were buried in 210 B.C. around the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China (the tomb itself is yet to be excavated). When the figures were found they had been broken into pieces, and the government has been funding their repair for the past 35 years. Eight thousand warriors, many with horses, are calculated to have been buried with the emperor, and though only a fraction of that number have been excavated and restored, those that have are wonderful to ...

... shop and then only get 2 hours at the great wall?! So sad we don't have much time the guide tells us that we must purchase a ticket that will take us to the top of the wall and back, she was adamant that we couldn't walk as there was not enough time! We buy the extra tickts and make our way to what we thought was a cable car to the top..... oh no no no...... this was a tobbogan ride! So we come to the historic great wall.... and go upon this silly slide!! another surreal moment ...

... to a mill outside Beijing. Once the games and then the Paralympics end in late September, Shougang will ramp up production in the final quarter, said a manager who asked not to be identified by name because he was not authorized to talk to reporters. Shougang's press office refused to confirm details of its plans. Shopkeepers and manufacturers throughout Beijing will suffer from rules that ban trucks from the Chinese capital, making ...

Last night was the first time I've slept for a 4+ hour stretch and I actually feel worse:) However, we are up at 6 and ready to go!! Today it's the Temple of Heave and Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City. Yesterday was a fabulous time at Beijing Shunyi No. 8 Middle School campus. It was a very friendly staff (17 administrative personnel) who welcomed us, toured us, and gave presentation. We started with students doing morning exercises ...

... only other people about were locals playing music, chanting and exercising. We also visited the Forbidden City, so called because it was closed to civilians for over 400 years. It basically consists of loads of imperial buildings, courtyards and gardens. The place was absolutely thronged with people even though it was not peak season and I much preferred the less crowded Summer Palace outside the city centre. Of course no trip to Beijing can be considered ...

... highlights that stood out for me. Firstly visiting the Olympic venues will probably be one of the highlights of my trip not only for the fact that they looked spectacular, but also because we simply wondered right onto the construction site and got to about 50 metres away from the main Birds Nest Stadium before we were stopped. Indeed the workers were happy to let us take photos so close! Secondly and it will probably sound cliche, the Great Wall. I opted ...

... know all the girls very well ;-)). Saw first bend of the beautiful Yellow River, and grasslands with blues skies revive our spirits. Stop in Thangkor, like a wild west town and visit our local guides elementary school. The children are fascinated by us and shout 'I love you teacher!' One of the teachers plays guitar for us in his room, such a sweet voice and we are told he ...