iam writing this from an internet cafe inDatong, whose keyboard does not work, and which smells somewhat exacctly like pee. Datong is a loveely coal mining town south of Beijing. Todaayy, we went to the Cloud Ridge cccavs not far fromherre,after arriving by overnight train from Beijing. The caves are home to many Buddhas,most carvd in the fifth century, and some overr 17 meters high.. All are seated inhuge caves, whch have been carved as one withthe Buddhas fromthe rock wall. They are an impressive, awe inspiiring sight.

In a few hurs we board the trainagaiin and head for Xi An, home of the terracotta warriors.. Beijing was the mostpolluted plaace I haave ever been or seen or ssmelled. Onthe last day, we couldn't see to the end of the block. Meeting people there wass fun though, aand the Chinese aare really interrresting.. Outgoing, robust and more than a little fighty. A big change from Japan.. Matt and Ihung out behind a touristnight market for a couple of hours the other night, sharing bers with people we met, and trying our best to communicate. I mostly write some kanji and go from there.. OK. That last whiff was too much.. Igotta get outta here.