Rain, rain and more rain - it's a Typhoon - WIPHA - the most powerfull storm to hit China in recent years.

Well we left Suzhou and travelled the relatively short distance to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou according to the adverts we have seen on the Chinese TV is the most beautiful city in China, well it may well be but when its raining then there is not a lot to do or see, especially when the wind is blowing and everything closes up, including the boat trips on the lake which we were looking forward to.

We had 2 days here the first was the worst - weather wise, the second was only a little better - The West Lake did look good bit with the rain lashing down then it was a bit dreary, so although the hotel was good and Suri had negotiated a 10% reduction - we decided to leave and escape the worst of the typhoon as the limited amount of weather forecasts available said the typhoon was heading towards us then would vear north to Shanghai - so best to head south.

So we set off again this time on the soft sleeper which was pretty good and we had a well deserved rest - travelling can by very tiring..

This is still a communist country but as in Animal Farm - some are more equal than others so if you can pay for a bit of luxury ( if that's the right word) then why not - so we decided to - especially as it was almost a days travel - and it was well worth it there was even a separate almost clean waiting room especially for those who had the money to pay a little extra - by the way it was 780Y about 45 Sterling.

I was on the top bunk - Suri was on the bottom bunk and we shared the cabin with a young very quiet boy, who had no luggage - no food and no water just some photos and a couple of whistles, and a woman.

Suri struck up a conversation with the young boy and showed him how to do Sudoku - he picked it up pretty quick - he gave Suri one of his photos of him in Hangzhou dressed up with a sword in his hand.

It was supposed to be fast train - but it was not - but the scenery was much improved - sub tropical - banana plantations and sugar canes plus tea plantations and some highish hills and big rivers.

So now we have arrived in Xiamen, which is quite far south - I think we have done over 2000 of our 3000 miles now. It's not raining, though it is threatening to......

We are going to stay 3 nights and recuperate, as it is by the sea and there is a small island that the book suggests we should visit.

Although this is not the best hotel we have stayed at - we have our own PC / TV - so maybe I will be able to post some pics now - but don't hold your breath..