Greetings from Beijing!!!

[Giselle]

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow - so much to see!!!!

We also went to a pearl market where yours truly was chosen to model the necklaces Hubby bought me a black pearl bracelet

Having quite an early night as we have to tackle the Great Wall tomorrow

Saw a bat flying overhead tonight which is a sign of something.....happiness, prosperity, longevity....I forget - but I know it is a good thing

Ohh, I miss China. Half of my family is still back there. Granted, they're in HK/Guanzhou, but it's almost the same thing

I hope you bargained for those pearls, though! Hate to tell you, but a lot of stuff there is fake. Even though I know this is true, I still love to buy things there. Just be sure to bargain! My cousin's tip: Never pay for more than 3/4 the original price. If possible, bargain to at least half of the original price. It really works.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Last evening in Yangshuo - had to wait for only computer with internet access to be free!!

This place is beyond beautiful!!!! Been cycling, bamboo rafting and shopping!!! Back to Beijing in the morning

[pitc9]

Thanks for posting while your on vacation, it makes me feel like I'm there too!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Spending the last few days in the most gorgeous hotel ever built! We have a 6 poster bed and the most fabulous furniture! There is a fish pond just outside our door and we had breakfast surrounded by budgies and parakeets.

Have only seen 2 cats the entire time (both white with ginger tails so I guess it could have been the same cat )

Seen quite a few dogs - and lots of puppies but they all seem to be looked after. The ones here are mainly little Pekes.

Am really enjoying the markets - hubby is a first class haggler!!! Tesco is in for a shock when he gets back

[Lilith Cherry]

Glad you are enjoying China! Which city are you in now -- the high class hotels there are like palaces aren't they.. you can get thoroughly spoiled!

Most people who keep pet cats in Chinese cities keep them indoors so they wont be stolen ( or even worse , eaten )

Last summer I bought a young friend to Canada with me and she tried to bargain whever we went which was fun though sometimes embarrassing. In some cases though it actually worked!

Have fun!

[Karen]

We just regretted not buying pearls for Paul's mom when we got home from China, being as they were 1/10th the price they are here. We had our guide/translator/friend who not only was apparently an expert haggler, but insisted on inspecting the merchandise - even running her fingers along the edges of every silk scarf we bought. She said afterwards it was her mother's training - she wouldn't buy *anything* without a complete inspection of it first.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Went to Beihi Park yesterday and the cat count doubled! Although they must be feral someone had put a dish of food and water out for them

The restaurant we went to last night was great fun - you cooked your own food on a grill in the middle of the table.

Today we are planning to go to the silk market for a few last minute presents - have loved it here, everything has been my favourite but I am looking forward to getting home to my Katie and my furkids

We have to leave quite early tomorrow so I expect my next post will be from the UK. We will be posting all our piccies so you can browse through them at your leisure - Karen would kill me for posting all 600+ on PT!!!!