Passport gone for Russian, Mongolian & Chinese visas but did not count on only working days being classed so will be tight to get a visa for Vietnam - maybe get it on the way somewhere - Beijing or Hongkong.

Starting to pack up everything and lighten the load. Got some vaccs this week - sore but necessary. Doc nearly scared me with the diseases i could catch.

Have about 8 weeks left here tonight so will soon be down to the wire and planning finsihed. Pack rucksack, lift tickets, money and passport and thats all i need other than the open journey in front of me.

Finishing up things at work and getting cleared of files. Civil engineering creates a lot of paper you finally realise - must have shredded about two trees this last few weeks. But tidying up loose ends and getting fit for the trip are my main priorities at present plus a few pints of cider at times. Wonder if the beers good in China?