Boxing Day, we are jumping on a plane and heading to China. For the three youngest members of the family, this will be their first time to the motherland. I am so excited about this trip. And scared about the cold of course.

We are staying at The Red Door at Mutianyu, which is right by the great wall. We have two days in Beijing, and then we are taking the TRAIN up to HARBIN. If you don't know where Harbin is, please look in an atlas while keeping in mind my distate for any temperature below zero and my lack of love for cold winds that whip through your jacket and rattle your lungs.

Harbin. Every year they have an ice festival. it is one of the greats in the world. There is an ice carving festival, the snow carving and quite a few other sights to see. Sadly, most of htem are outdoors. This is a pity because it is bound to be cold. I am trying to imagine the discomfort and have warned Charles that I will be getting one of those adult flannel onesies to keep me cosy during those cold nights. He has asked me to order him one in a masculine colour.

This is going to be a trip of a lifetime. We are thrilled. The Pheasants, Chad, Andrea, Adam, Ashleigh and Ella are coming as well. The kids are thrilled at the thought of spending the night in the train.

Adventure awaits. I can't wait.