Xiamen

Finally I get round to posting some of what happened since I left Lanshan. Here's the first bit:

I arrived in Xiamen early on Wednesday the 5th. The overnight train I'd taken had been ok, but a bit short on actual sleep, so once I got into the city and found a hotel it was nap time. The hotel I stayed at was located on Gulangyu Island, just 5 minutes from Xiamen city by ferry boat. In colonial times this island was where the majority of the rich, foreign residents set up home. Today the buildings that remain leave a strong flavour of that past and reminded me strongly of Europe. There are no cars on the island and wandering the narrow streets was a perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon. The coastline is dotted with beaches, but the water looked a bit too dirty to tempt me in. I spent my time taking photos instead.