Just spent an exhausting day walking around the Forbidden City. Hoards and hoards of tourists all trying to get through the same gate. Most of them seam to be local as there are very few westerners around. In fact I gather native English speakers have been at a premium in Tienanmen Square since the outbreak of SARS in the spring. It explains why they all want to practise on me.

Flight was very smooth. I'd recommend Areoflot anytime. It was a day late getting here but I did get upgraded which sort of made up for it. By the way the cakes in the 1st class lounge at Moscow airport are rubbish.

Off to the great Wall tomorrow, if I can work out which Bus goes there.