GGS:

Woken up this morning by the sun beaming in the window at 7.10am

– a little too early seeing as it was the first day when we could lie in! Spent the next few hours trying to pack and had to sit on the suitcases to make them close. We said goodbye to the other schools as everyone else left before us. We picked up our gorgeous packed lunches consisting of custard cakes, sausages with corn kernels in and bizarre tasting crackers. We said goodbye to Stone. Took an hour to get to the airport and were stuck in traffic for one last time – definitely a lasting memory of Beijing.

The airport was heaving and we had to go through customs, security and passport control. All our bottles of water got checked as we were not allowed to take alcohol through, so the security people sniffed each one. Of course us being good girls, none of us had tried to sneak through any illegal alcohol! Looked through the duty free but unfortunately it was all too expensive.

Boarded the plane – watched several films to keep awake. Lovely Chinese air host and good food. Yum…The snack was the best – hot paninis with melted mozorella + roasted veg. Jenny tried hard to finish her book but didn’t quite make it…After 3 hours Laura and Charlotte thought we only had an hour left! We were kept entertained by the many Chinese babies who were all gorgeous and so well behaved. Clearly they had been adopted by western couples and they must have all been travelling in a group as there were about 5 of them! It was strange to see this. But now we all want one…

Now in Copenhagen and we should be asleep as it is 1am in Beijing now. We all feel like our body clocks are completely messed up! Arrived safe and sound in Edinburgh all exhausted and were welcomed by the smiling face of Steve to drive us home...Of course arrived in the rain!

It has been a fantastic trip for everyone and we are all sad to leave, but excited at the same timeto come home and see family and friends. I hope the girls will amuse you with all our stories in the coming weeks!

Thanks for all your support and comments on the blog. It has been great...

Thea

A quick diary entry as we just lost the creative genius of Laura and Ruth...

Had torrential rain for several hours this morning, and it was so dark that we felt like we had woken up in the middle fo the night. In the space of about 1 hr the roads were flooded and we were wading in ankle deep water! So spent the morning shopping at the indoor silk market - 6 floors of shopping! This was definately an experienceas the vendors were fairly agressive and we had to bargain hard. Laura got a great bargain as did Charlotte and managed to get goods for about a fifth of the asking price! Tons of silk stalls, arts and crafts, fake designer stuff, tea and anything else that could pass as chinese!

Then experienced chinese fast food for lunch - wierd experience as you ordered from a waitress and then waited about 5 mins for it to arrive at the table. And it cost all of 80p for a bowl of rice.

Experienced the subway which was a dream - totally empty and clean and very easy to use. Made it to Behei Park where we hired some boats and enjoyed the lake. Laura made up a wee song that she couldn't stop singing - battery boats n' peddaly boats n' ricketyshaws n' ricketyboats n' peddalyshaws.We were serenaded all afternoon and evening. And she nearly rammed our boat at the same time! She definately needs a few driving lessons....

Rounded the day off wondering around the hutongs - these are the historic traditional living areas, made up of loads of small one storey buildings around courtyards, narrow alleyways and lots of people crammed together...Also got in a rickshaw just to experience it!

Had our last meal out together in a typical chinese restaurant. Very cheap - less than £10 for everyone and delicious. Aubergine, bamboo shoots, corn muffins, sweet and sour pork, our favourite chicken and peanut dish...All in all a great last day.

Lotus flower - valentines day