We have reached Beijing on the 24th September 2009, after an 8.5 h border process on 23rd September. The Chinese increased surveillance due to the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on 1st October 2009 has lead to increased road jams, which did not disturb the population seemingly used to hours blockages on highways either because of toll gates, check posts or simply the fog.
China appeared to us as “big” compared to Mongolia (Aimag capitals having 12-24,000 population), where the smallest cities crossed are immediately over half a million people. The impression of cleanliness, development and organization was also noticable. The cars were dropped at the Port some 140kms south-east of Beijing on 25th September (aroundtrip that took us 12 hours J).
Having left Abu Dhabi on 18th August, we did it … and made it after over 13,000 km and 38days.
The team paid a visit to the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Tien’anmen Place, before splitting up;- the ANDRE family heading back to Abu Dhabi on 26th, leaving the Vrancken family continuing for a few more days their tour of Beijing.
Many thanks for those who followed us and special thanks to all for your messages through emails or on the blog. We’ll post some more pictures later as well as some statistics.
Cheerio!!!
Speechless......
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