Redemption for Taxi Drivers

Gosh darn it, I'd just typed out part of a post when my credit on the computer ran out. Topped it up so now I have a whole hour to kill...that's if it doesn't kill me first, the smoking ban apperaes not to extend as far as Chinese internet cafes (or net bars as this one is called), I'd forgotten how horrible it is *coughcough*

Arrived in Datong last night after missing my train (oops) and having to wait around for ages at the hugest train station in the world. Was more like an airport with loads of departure lounges and different waiting rooms for each train and loads of security checks to go through. I only just missed the first train, probably could have made it if I'd known where I was going and not had to stop to ask for directions at every corner.

It's a lot bigger than I expected, I thought it was say out in the country side but its a proper city. I wke up early today to put plan A into operation, failed miserably. The plan was to book a tour around the local caves and monastery and get a ticket for the train leaving tonight. But for that I needed to get some more money, I only changes 40 pounds at the airport which has lasted fine up to now. Knew that the tours waould leave early and that the train would be booked out pretty fast, tour office opens at 6.30am so I got up at 6.15 figured I could have my money and all my tickets by 7 but it was not to be. Took me until 9.30 to track dow a cash machine that I could actually use. I had planned to change money because i still have 100 pounds that I bought with me, but for such a big city there is only one bank tht can change foreign money and it was on a rod that was closed and all ripped up for repairs. Got so sick of wlking and faffing around, kept seeing taxis but had ruled them out after Beijing experience. Eventually pulled one over and asked him if he'd use his meter, expecting to be told that the meter ws broken i was extremely glad when he let me in and switched it on. Finally got some money, with the help of a vry nice security gaurd who effectively did everything for me because the machine only had instructions in Chines-don't worry mum, he looked away when I did my pin code. He was lovely. By this time I was so hot and flustered that i cheated and got a taxi back to the hotel too. By this time the was already gone so I have booked my train ticket to Pinyao for tomorrow night and will do the tour tomorrow instead.
I spent the day exploring Datong. Visited the two temples which are the oldest buildings in the city from before 1000ad. Was definately worth spending an extra day to see them. I didn't really do much touristy stuff in Beijing so today was sort of the start of the real adventure, and a very good start it was too. Got back to the hotel at 4, in total I reckon I've spent around 8 hours today just walking, no wonder I'm tired. And a little bit sunburnt. Will go back to my room and have a shower before bed. Up at 8 in the morning to pack my bags to take with me, tomorrow night's hotel is an overnight train but if have booked myself a sleeper ticket which means I get a bunkbed. Hooray.

Not sure how long I'm spending in Pinyao, if I can get an overnight train out again then I will do bcause there's so much I want to fit in before I have to be in Hong Kong to meet Sarah and renew my visa. Nerxt stop after that (and so probably next post) will be Xi'an, home of the teracotta warriors. Wohoo.
Don't want to sound like I'm rubbing it in Sarah, but I'm having a mint time.