Alice woke early, but that wasn’t surprising as she fell asleep early last night. She woke just before 6, had a bottle at 7 and went back to sleep by half past. I had to wake her to go to breakfast – she wasn’t impressed and tried to pee on me as I changed her nappy, I was too quick – never mind Alice, they’ll be plenty more opportunities like that one!

Lois fell asleep just before breakfast time, so they took it in turns to come down to breakfast. Alice was very smiley through breakfast, she tried her first croissant, but enjoyed squashing it more than eating it! She tried congee for the first time, I did too - Alice liked it, I didn’t! (It’s very mushy rice in a clear broth, this was plain but it can have meat, vegetables or egg with it.)

We were meeting Chris in the lobby at 10am. Alice and Mummy sat and waited for everyone else, Alice was grumpy but soon smiled when Mummy played Peek-a-boo.

Then we took our first taxi ride, there were times when the grown-ups were frightened and thought we might crash, but Alice enjoyed sitting with N. A 15 minute ride cost under 12 Yuan, less than £1!

We went to a park in Kunming. It was very beautiful, there were lots of things to see. There were several fair ground rides, a carousel, dodgem cars and even a roller coaster. There were lakes filled with lotus flowers – they look a little like water lilies. The lotus plant has many medicinal uses from the seeds and the roots. The ones in the park were only ornamental, there flowers were pink and very beautiful.

We also saw some Chinese children wearing 'split pants' - trousers with a gap in the middle, they wear them when they are learning to use the toilet, so when they need to 'go' they just squat and nothing gets in the way - it also means that you have to watch where you are walking!! So far the streets have seemed very clean.

We also saw some older ladies – I’m not sure if they were performing or exercising. They were great, they danced to music with fans and then they did some drumming and dancing together, waving red handkerchiefs – they were conducted by a lady with a whistle (just like the ones we use at playtime!)

Just as we were leaving it began to rain, after another taxi adventure we came back to the hotel. Alice has had another bottle, clean nappy and a lovely play on the floor while Mummy and N looked at the video of meeting her on Sunday. [It already seems so long ago and she’s changed already]