Finally, we arrived in Beijing - after Claire and I declared
victory over Alex and Morris playing the last game of 500s on the train. The
views of the mountains (through Datong especially) were beautiful.
After some beauracratic problems checking into our hostel
(City Central Youth Hostel), we could shower and rest! The hostel is very well
located, opposute the train station and next door to a 24 hour post office and a
24 hour supermarket. It has a bar, pool tables, laundry (which I took advantage
of), and a tourism desk.
We had our final Intrepid group meal at a local restaurant
(and a celebration of Morris's retirement), where there were some interesting
items on the menu, including "The Virus Beef". I personally went for "Population
in the pan", hoping that it wouldn't members of the community all chopped up.
This was finished by our last night as a group playing pool at the Hostel until
late.
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