Chill’innnnnng Out

Saturday 25th November 2006

I am glad to be back in hostel land, although not quite the luxury of the past week it has an authenticity which I am thriving on. The temperature is equilivant of walking into a refriderator but the electric blankets really warmed up the place as there is no heating. I have been taking it easy today, wandered back “down town” to buy a jumper – all of £3.60 – a fleece. In china if you want to buy anything you get a ticket from someone then go to the cash desk to pay, they give you another ticket and a bag then you collect the item from the person who gave you the first ticket. Followed that? I also found some chineese thermal underwear, to keep me warm in the refriderator. These cost all of £1.80 so no big loss if I don’t wear them all that much. The numbers are painted on the back of the buses so its easy to hop on them – hopping off is a different matter so I suggest if you do end up in Chengdu that you give yourself half an hour to get off the god damm bus. Back at the hostel this afternoon to finally relax and gather together my thoughts as I have been chasing around for over a week and a half. Its nice to not have the pressure to have to cram so much into a day (or have a guide that won’t shut up). I think its finally hit me that I am out east far far away from home, I have finally wound down from work, london and the stresses that come with trying to live up to the expectations of the western world. I’m loving every minute of it even if my washing won’t dry, its freezing cold and I think I have a sore throat coming on. Time to phone home…