July 13, 2006
After a short spin into Shanxi province, we've speed back to Beijing. Even though the train was from 12:15 to 20:30, we bought soft sleeper tickets. The set up was comfortable: a cabin with four bunks (Leah and I took the upper ones), plenty of space to sit up, read and sleep, and thankfully, a door to keep the cigarette smoke out (most Chinese smokers stand at either end of the car to tap their ashes on the 'no smoking' signs that protrude from the wall.) The next morning, we took the bus to the PSB, filled out some paperwork and left our passports: our 30 day extensions will be ready next Thursday (July 20th)--no lines, no hassles, and no demands to "see" $6000.
-David
