I’m currently having a ball here in Beijing. I was touristing out pretty hard today, went to Forbidden City, then Jing Shan Park, then some hutongs. I was just by myself all day, walking around, checking stuff out. I feel bad for not knowing (or really caring about) ancient history, I think a lot was wasted on me today. The subway at rush hour was berserk, my body and so many bodies were touching as we watched the doors close on a gaggle of Joon-He-come-lately’s.
After having walked around for hours, I sat in a café where I studied, ate spaghetti, engaged in conversation with the staff, and fell asleep. I made plans to meet up with a fellow Beijing couchsurfer for supper later on. A recent friend and staff member at the café took the bus with me to make sure I wouldn’t miss my transfer and be late, how kind.
This entire day was funded by Graham, Kristy, and Norah Friesen. Thanks guys! Merry Christmas!
I’ve found a neat little remedy for missing my bicycle though; driving a rickshaw. When you approach rickshaw drivers and suggest that you give them a ride for a change, they get psyched. Bystanders flip their wigs when they see such blatant role reversal.
My brain hurts from thinking in Mandarin all day. Food prices in tourist areas are at least twice what they are rurally. Starbucks is the same price as home, not even the fiscal inhibitions that come along with traveling made me want to buy one.
Hot Pot is a very traditional way of eating here. It’s basically a pot that is put on an element in the center of your table, with food of all kinds boiling in a spicy broth. It will almost certainly give you diarrhea, but worth it.
After I go see the Great Wall I’ll have done literally all there is to do in Beijing. I think I will try to find a job for the following week or so.
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