Word up from Xi'an in the Greatest China, home to one of the wonders of the world - a clay army guarding a dead Emperor. I've been retracing my steps from my last visit to China. Beijing is still under construction, crews working dilligently to demolish the old and build the new to shock and awe the masses during the Olympic games next year. I spent my days wondering around aimlessly, meeting old friends, laughing at Engrish signs (best hotel name ever: "Wash The Bath Hotel") and working off my jetlag.

*****

I'm travelling with my old high school friend Yonatan, who lived in Bangkok for 3 years before graduating and going off to Uni in Australia. He joined me on my previous travels in France, as it was only a short hop over from England, where he had been working since Uni. He also has a blog, which he has been able to access and has been updating frequently: http://yonistravels.blogspot.com/. Check it out. He is attempting to travel for a year as well, and has already been to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Bhutan and now China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Bhutan, in particular, is on the road less travelled, given that all visitors are required to spend a minimum of about $300 a day (not too sure on the real number, but it is high) when in the country. Yoni was fortunate as his sister is good friends with the Princess of Bhutan, who went to high school with her in Bangkok (and also myself), and was granted a royal pardon to spend 50% of the foreign requirement, while staying in the Royal Compound. He nearly played a friendly game of basketball with the King of Bhutan, whose name is Jimmy, but other commitments prevented him from doing so.

Mr Turd Grande - Yonatan Holmes

Old men, Russian brothers, and Chairman Mao. I'll explain later.

Biking along the city wall of Xi'an.

Getting down with my Muslim homie Bill.