Thanks to all
 

I have just returned from my first trip to the far east and would like to thank all the posters who answered my questions with valuable advice.

Everything worked out fine and I truly feel that I could not have done a first time 2 week trip on my own without all your help

Again thank you very much

How did you end up getting your train tickets?

I got them through a firm called, Tour-beijing.com
They charged a fee of roughly $12 per ticket and I also used them for a one day tour in Beijing.
I know that I could have gotten them myself at the station, but after seeing the madhouse at the station, I am glad that I did not go there 4 days before the trip and try to find tickets.
They delivered them to the hotel as promised, and peace of mind is always worth something

I'm glad you didn't attempt the "train station approach", but I hope that you lower your guard a bit more on your next trip (at the risk of sounding too much like a certain poster that brags about y300 Mutianyu drivers, you threw at least $10/pp to the wind).

OP: good to hear that you enjoyed the trip, particularly in your first trip to what can seem like an alien part of the world.

As for the Mutianyu drivers.. here we go again...

I agree with you completely and if and when there is a next trip there I will definately put into effect the things that I learned on this trip
However for a trip that cost way over two thousand dollars, $20 is a very small tuition fee.
Again thanks for the advice and support