Nov. 18-19 - the epic train ride begins

Due to the fact that we only got a one month Chinese visa with a one month extension we were forced to take a train for a large portion of the trip across China. Very unfortunate but o well.
We chose to take the train all the way to Xian in order to give us enough time to reach Beijing in time for our flight to Los Angeles. The whole trip was to take about 64 hours divided into a 24 hour and a 40 hour leg.
Because at this time of year all the migrant cotton pickers move back east, all the sleeper cars were sold out, but we managed to at least get a seat for the first 24 hours of the journey. We made some new friends along the way but still wished we could be on the bikes riding through the barren Xinjiang landscape and its rugged mountain landscapes.
In Urumqi we were able to stay with a Warmshowers host from England. It is always a treat to see a western face.
THANKS NATASHA FOR THE HOSPITALITY. GOOD LUCK WITH TEACHING ENGLISH.