Wednesday 8^th August, 2018 1400

So far today has been considerably better than yesterday!

It turns out Kevin will be in Shanghai for one night on his way back to school so we will meet again after three years. He's going to invite Vivi and Rinka says she will make it as well this year. Shanghai could be the perfect ending to the summer holidays, with luck.

I am near enough packed but despite my lists no doubt I shall forget something.

The blog may be patchy on tour but I shall try to do my typing during idle moments, such as on planes (if allowed) or waiting at a cafe for Alice to finish doing her tourist things.

I will be much happier once I am in the Parisian (maybe I should say “Parisien”??) hotel, I am dreading the six hours in Moscow, even with lounge access.

1730

So much for having a last supper of sweet pork – the restaurant was closed! Not a huge problem but it would have been nice to know so I could defrost a lasagne. It will take longer to cook.

So I bid adieu to Lanzhou in the morning, praying for a lovely time and wishing anyone else out there who is off on their summer jollies the very best of times. This is Steve B for BBC, Lanzhou station, signing off for now.