At the Russina cusoms the train stops. They make everyone sit in the carriage and promply remove everyones passport. Then they chuck about 500 passengers into a concourse fit to hold about 100 with no facilies other than toilets. Well after about an hour the Irish contingent got restless and observed a few people leaving ther station by a small side gate and i thought disappearing into a small shop.
After a quick nosy i got back with 5 beer and snacks and the crack started.

Every westerner went out, back with armfuls of beer and food and just sat on the floor or standing chatted for about four hours. A very drunk russian came up for a chat so by this time we were nearly as bad and the chinese nearly fell down laughing at the antics.

back to the train and by 12 midnight the same at the Chinese customs for 5 hours. Only this time they threw us into a large concourse with shops, food vegetables , seats etc and it was really enjoyable. back on the train and after a bit more crack it was time for bed about 6/7 in the morning.

Got up about 10 to flat cultivated wheat/maize plains adn for the first time went to the chinese resteraunt car. Good grup and sat there a lot of the day just chatting.

After a few beer everone got to bed late and then up at 4 am to see if we could see the Great waal on the way in on the train. Would have been better zzzzz.

Arrived at 5 30 AM and no idea where the hotel was but found it OK.

Very busy city at this time but had shower and ZZZZZZZ.