First Impressions

After months of preparation we have finally arrived in China via

the newly constructed terminal building at Beijing airport.  Actually, apart from the folk who arrived on our flight, there didn't seem to be anyone else around and we had to take a shuttle train to the main terminal where our baggage was awaiting collection.

We soon discovered where all the people were - on the roads making their way home from work, but although we reached our hotel, the Grand View Garden Hotel (see picture) tired and weary we were still excited about what lay ahead for us and were eager to meet the people who would be our travelling companions for the next 27 days.  The hotel is really very impressive with a large foyer with a variety of comfortable looking chairs.  Our room is spacious and clean and will be home for the next few days.  We went out for dinner to a local restaurant and sampled our first banquet style meal.  So far so good, but after 24 hours travelling a good night's sleep is all I really want at the moment.  Tomorrow the adventure really begins...