I met Dave at breakfast. He was suffering from cabin fever and I tried to help order a fired egg for him. We agreed to meet up later and head to Ancient Street.

In I went to St Joseph's cathedral. To kill the hour and a half before mass time I checked out some of the many, many, department stores there about. The cathedral was very grand. Hearing Gloria in Excelsius in Chinese then English was a great Christmas treat.

Dave was in the bar and we headed out straight up. Ancient Street was fantastic and more a series of streets and alleys. After half an hour there we walked and talked for almost 2 hours on our way back to the hotel, looking at bridges and those fishing in the frozen over river. It was great to share time and company with some who asked for nothing in return.

Tianjin is looking to be one of those friendly places; where people are helpful, offering directions before you need to ask, helping you search for the earings you like, all without being demanding and suspicion arising. I like it here.