Ahhh, ok here goes.

Yes, so I've lost some momentum, at least as far as chronicling my adventures goes. A lot of the time the summarising of the things I've seen and done seems a little empty and trite. But I appreciate that at least someone might be interested. Nevertheless, from now on, I've decided as far as possible to treat this as my own personal travel journal - the public be damned.

I've been in Vietnam for over a week now - the experience is very different to China - much more oriented to western tourists. This is a mixed blessing. Everything is laid out for the traveler on a plate, tours are cheap and easy to organise, and people are relentlessly helpful and friendly. But you also tend to feel funnelled into a pre-defined tourist programme, meeting the same (albeit friendly) fellow backpackers at every stop, doing the same tours etc.

I suppose I should make some effort to sum up my experiences in China, or at least the highlights. But I'm afraid it's bullet points again.

Highlights:

The freedom of cycling round Beijing, blending in effortlessly with the locals.

The atmosphere of Shanghai side streets, so many peoples lives in such a small space.

"Meat on a stick" at midnight - diverse meats and other treats cooked on tiny street barbecues.

Waking up from hard-sleeper journeys at your next destination.

Jumping from Jade Dragon Bridge, swimming in the river, then taking a sleepy bamboo raft trip down the river, as the sun sets with spectacular karts mountains all around.

Leaving the crowds behind, and discovering some spectacular scenery.

Meeting mad locals in clubs who refuse to let you buy a single drink all night.

Renting electric scooters, and whizzing round the countryside.

Freshly steamed dumplings, for pennies.

Eating snake.

Lowlights:

Crowded, maddening railway stations, trying to find a seat, being made to feel very unwelcome.

Being ripped off in situations where you're trapped, eg bus journeys.

Trying to order in restaurants where all the food is clearly on display, but the cashier can't be bothered to look where you're pointing.

Pollution.

Traffic.

Noise. Oh the noise.

Eating snake.

That's all for now. I'll remember more soon. Our hostel has a pool, so I'm going swimming. I miss you all (all of you I know at least)