Beijing Zoo

Went to the zoo today. It's big, full of beautiful trees, lakes, sculptures (including this whopper of a lion) and, er, animals. Dates back to 1906 and went through rough times, particularly during the Sino-Japanese War, by the end of which only 13 monkeys and one old emu had survived. Now it's much like any other big zoo, a bit frayed round the edges and we felt sorry for the lions in their prison-like cells, but it was OK. And of course there were pandas. But let's face it, pandas are overrated. They don't do anything. Least of all mate. Even the girls found them dull. Our favourites were the monkeys, penguins and gambolling zebras, all of whom seemed to be having a good time.