Our plane touched down right on time, we were waved through customs with a smile, took a few happy snaps at the Great Wall mural that greets arrivals at Beijing Airport (and it took a few to get one where we both look semi-human), and our luggage came off the conveyor belt safe and sound.
It was all very unChina-like.
Then the doors to the arrivals hall slid open and we caught a whiff of that familiar, homey mixture of cigarette smoke, petrol fumes, rotting vegetables and construction dust that can only mean one thing.
We’re back in Beijing.
The plan now is to head back to the wall in two weeks and pick up where we left off, just outside of Zhongwei in Ningxia Autonomous Region. Brendan’s foot has healed nicely but he still needs a couple of weeks before attempting rough ground.
Thanks to everyone for your messages of support while we’ve been away from China. It helps to know there are people out there keen to see us complete this walk. Keep logging back on to see some photos and stories about Beijing, and before you know it we’ll be back on the Great Wall!
Good to see you’re both healthy and fit and raring to go. Just wanted to let you know that I am soaking up every entry you write (particularly as it helps the quiet late night shifts pass quickly by). Problem is I just can’t get enough. Also, just out of curiousity (from the worst gift giver ever), what sort of gifts have you been giving your various hosts?
Anyway, am thinking of you both and look forward to the next installment. L : )
Hey Brendan and Emma,
Great to see you back in China and hopefully ready to get on the Wall again. Your stories are inspiring and realy fun to read …. you guys ever think about writing a book about your experiences? If so, I’m the first one in line to get it signed.
Still working on my own expedition which I hope to start in July 2007. Keep on posting those blogs.
Matt
Hey Guys.
So sorry we didn’t get a chance to catch up while you were back in Sydney. But at least that means you are back on the wall reaching your goals.
Take care and keep the photos and stories coming as I too am an avid reader.
Cheers
Kel
Hi you Avid Readers,
Thanks for logging on and commenting. We’ve put up some more pictures for you today, hope you like them.
Lisa, we’re no good at gifts either (just ask our families). Lucky for us, gifts are easy here in China. Even small village shops have nice gift boxes of cakes and wine, and everyone we’ve stayed with has seemed pleased with them.
Matt, thanks for the link to the website on Chinese posters. We passed it on to Andy too. Keep in touch and good luck with your planning.
And Kel, sorry we didn’t get to catch up when we were home. Let’s hope you’re right that we are getting that little bit closer to reaching our goals.
Keep well everyone,
Emma and Brendan