Frustrations Setting In

China is incredibly frustrating for western travellers, and you can clearly see it in the group. I can't believe how difficult it is travelling in this country... and I would never ever contemplate doing it alone, despite my extensive travelling experience RTW. My patience levels have really declined since starting this tour, and sharing a room with the most frustrating guy I've met since leaving Australia is really doing my head in. Today I took it upon myself to complain not only to the leader, but Intrepid's head office in Melbourne - there are aspects of the leader's performance which have tested my patience as well. I've had a lot of difficulty adjusting to the country's culture, lack of western convenience... most probably exacerbated by the room mate I've had. Don't get me wrong... I can probably share with 98% of people, but this guy is really difficult... the other people in the group can't stand him for 5 minutes, let alone an evening! I basically lost it this afternoon and requested a single room for the rest of the tour... which Intrepid has agreed to. It was either that or going straight to Shanghai.

Beautiful Chinese Gardens

Commnication is the biggest problem... I now appreciate how difficult it must be for a person that is illiterate. It has been absolutely awesome being on tour with Rachel, Judy and Ari for without them, I would of detested this aspect of my round the world travels. Travelling with group travels is such a gamble, and if you don't have the right group, it can be many times harder than independent backpacking. Anyway, I'm still on tour and enjoyed a tour of Hangzhou today.

Chinese Pagoda

We visited many beautiful sights including Liuhe pagoda, west lake, the dragon wall tea village and lingyin temple. The temple had amazing gardens etc. We learnt all about tea... Rachel and I were particularly interested by the fact that tea dissolves fat. Tea is extremely healthy for you, and I do hope that in time it will become my drink of choice. I'm such a caffeine fan that it will be difficult to swap, but I am nevertheless enjoying having tea on this tour.

In the evening, I joined Ari and Rachel in attending to our internet. The internet is awful here... so slow and unreliable. Downloading 20 pics takes more than an hour. Not good for keeping up with this.

Laughing Buddha

People coming to China should have heaps and heaps of patience... nothing is easy here, even finding an internet cafe required the three of us asking 5 people, only to be shown directly to the door by a very friendly hotelier. Trust me, some Chinese are beautiful. I'm sure I will develop a real appreciation for them... but as far as preferred travel destinations go, I don't quite think China will rate up there as being my favourite.

Lingyin Temple Buddha

Me and Ari with Buddha

Me at Liuhe Pagoda West Lake Hangzhou

Me drinking Chinese tea

Me Ringing the Bell

Pagoda and Garden West Lake