So it has come to my attention that today it is exactly 10 years since I took my 25 year-old self and my now very old and redundant Canon 350D off on a five month adventure around the world.

On February 6th 2008 I got the train down to London, made my way across to Heathrow and boarded a BA flight to Beijing to begin my trip that would take me down through China to Hong Kong, on to Australia, then New Zealand and finally to Fiji (to get a tan) before returning home. It was a trip that helped define who I am, a trip that gave me many great experiences and made me appreciate all that I have.

I thought I would share with you today a few images from my time in China. I had arrived in Beijing at the start of the Chinese New Year. The last two hours on approach to landing presented the most amazing views of fireworks constantly exploding like miniature stars in the night sky beneath our plane. And the celebrations continued - firecrackers being thrown into the street, festivals and lanterns filled each place I visited.

The couple pictured above were on my overnight train to Xian, making the journey back home for Chinese New Year along with most of the China's working population, who often only get one holiday a year! Due to severe snow and cancellations our 11 hour overnight train was absolutely packed and I got speaking to this couple who were due to be married later in that year. We shared stories about how weddings are conducted differently in our different cultures and I remember the shock on their faces when I explained how much people in the UK often spend on their wedding day!