Its starting to get better

I haven't had first good impressions of China. The place is pretty dirty and smelly, thats even in Shanghai, suppose to be a more western city. And the people are god damn rude and miserable. Even if you smile at them you get no response!!!

Canals 1

I took a day trip to Suzhou, which is suppose to be the Venice of the East. First impressions again not good, all the return trains were booked up so I had the choice of 10pm or 2pm..taking the later, which meant I only had a couple of hours for sight seeing.

First stop a pagoda for views of the city...this was pretty rubbish..where were the lakes and gardens??? My time was going quickly..after some dodgy 20p meat on a stick I finally came across the canals...and to my surprise they were actually quite nice. Then even better an ancient gardens, with carp lakes, stone bridges and small housing. Although the Japanese gardens still dick on this.

Canals 2

I guess I just need to head for the big sites..Tai Shan, Great Wall, Terracotta Army extra and miss some of the temples, Buddhas and gardens out..Ive seen enough and probably better so far. Maybe I will just relax in Beijing, sort out my Indian visa, get a new suit for work..rather than trying to fit to much in. So I have booked an over night train to Tai Shan..i climb this tomorrow and will be in Beijing for Tuesday.

Humble Administrators Garden 1

Humble Administrators Garden 2

Humble Administrators Garden 3

Humble Administrators Garden 4

Humble Administrators Garden 5

North Temple Pagoda 1

North Temple Pagoda 2

North Temple Pagoda 3