Well, got back from China yesterday. I've got to say I'm thoroughly worn out and, just my luck, contracted some kind of bug on the flight back. But that aside, the trip was far beyond my expectations. I've said I don't really care for tour groups. but this one had a guide who wasn't just regurgitating information, and was willing to go very in depth with us whenever we had questions. Best of all, though, we typically wrapped up our tours in the early evening, leaving enough time to go and do my own thing. Needless to say I got quite accustomed to their subway system, which is hands down better than any metro in the states. So while the tours themselves were pretty cool, the chance to go and walk the streets and get the local feel for the city was amazing.

Beijing in general is a strange mix of more traditional and ultra modern areas, and you'd be surprised what can be found in the little side streets and alleys. (Let's just say the fried snake was actually very good) Suffice to say China in general is a place I want to visit again, it's a truly stunning and beautiful country.