Now in Beijing

The weather unfortunately was not to kind on us for the climb up the famous Mt Hua Shun although we still managed to get to the summit of the west ridge. The rain was continuous but there were a few clear patches to see the absolute awn of the scenery sear cliff faces dropping up to 1000 ft. The track was made several 100 years ago and is all stone. Had to climb chain ladders and narrow passes with major drop offs but we survived. Spent the night on the mountain in a homestay and returned to Xian in the afternoon then boarded the overnight train for Beijing at 8.30pm. Train trip was 14 hours and very comfortable.
Arrived Beijing about 9 the next morning , organised the hotel and then did a bike orientation trip around the city through thr Hutong village area passed the Forebidden City and the other sights.
Day before yesterday headed out to the Great wall to part not open to the public and treked the wall for 7 hours before getting to the homestay and a much needed beer. This morning had another 3-4 hour trek before being kicked off the wall as we were not allowed to be there and then returned to Beijing passed the Birdnest where the Olympic opening ceremony will be hold. Back in our hotel and have our final group dinner before everyone goes there seperate ways. One couple are heading to England to start new jobs, via St Peterberg. Another to Hongkong before heading back home to the UK after 4.5 months of touring the world.
I have 3 days before Kay arrives from Europe and then have planned an 8 day trip back to southern China so she can experience the real China.
The Olympics start on the 8th and the city security is increasing. Had our bags put through the x ray in the underground the other day and our passports checked and recorded. Large highays are closed and all the cars have odd number plates on the odd days and even on the even days. Very exciting.
Hope everyone well and enjoying life.