Sightseeing Day 1

November 7, 2008

So yesterday was an extremely long day, but I was glad I did it.
Woke up at a normal hour of 9:30ish, then went to buy some internet for my laptop. Had some lunch at the upstairs cafeteria. Then, Mike and I headed out on the subway towards the Bell Tower and Drum tower, by the Forbidden City. How I love student discounts, since we got in for 15 RMB each. (~2USD) On the bell tower, we were just in time to see a drum performance. Although, I had to walk up those long, slanted, slippery flights of stairs and the work out two days before somewhat killed me.


Next, we decided to WALK to Ghost street (Gui Jie restaurant street), and it wasn't what we expected at all. After a 2 mile walk, we decided to head towards the nearest subway, and we headed down to the Temple of Heaven.

Now, after getting of the subway, we assumed that the direction the exit was facing was the direction we were supposed to walk to get to the entrance of the Temple of Heaven. Well, were we wrong. We walked about half a mile around the wall of Temple of Heaven, only to find out when we left another exit, that the entrance was right behind the subway stop. But, its ok, because through the entrance we went through, we got to run along the Olympic marathon line.
Of course, the entire Temple of Heaven is repainted, so it's still beautiful, but kind of looks like a plastic toy. I also think that whoever painted it, did a half-butt job, as the paint was smeared everywhere, unless that was their attempt to make it look age-worn.


After my feet were about to kill me, we still decided to go to Hong Qiao market, and the real silk market, not Silk Street (which is my fave now by the way). Was pretty dissapointed at both, so left fairly quickly. Jumped back onto the subway, where we stupidly took the longest route possible to get back to the Wu Dao Ko area. Yes, we took line 13 all the way up into the boondocks. So instead of a 30 minute ride back to our place, it took about an hour and a half. Go us. At least, we can say we rode the entire line 13.

Headed to our benknownst dumpling place across from our campus. Where JieJie served us, as she tends to do when she notices I walk through the door. Had a great meal and headed back to the dorms where I plopped down and vegitated for the night.

Now, I have no idea whats in store for today. It's still quite early...10 AM, but I'm sure we'll figure something out for the rest of the day. Although, I still have to teach tonight... I know tomorrow we're going to pick up Mike's tailored suit, which he's so excited about, and we're definitely going back to Silk Street to get some cheap sunglasses and warm clothing for Harbin.
At night we're heading to Tsinghua university to meet my aunt for a tour of the campus and some Korean food!

All the way from the land of toy-like painted monuments.

Halloween and Non- Traveling

November 5, 2008

I thought it would be a good time to update, since I am on a week long break, somewhat relaxed.
It's just unfortunate, however short it may be, that I have a film midterm to do over my vacation. While everyone decided to leave Beijing, Mike, Eric P.,Weien, Cassandra, and I were smart and decided to stay in this wonderful capital of China. Thought that I could save a little money for Shanghai next semester, but I guess that thought was a bust since I am spending a lot shopping at the Silk Market now.

Today, I got to watch the new 007, yes before ANYONE, because I am THAT special. Afterward, Mike and I decided to wander aimlessly around the area, and decided that the Silk Market would be a great idea, since everyone's got to visit this foreigner rip-off wonderland. Being Chinese, however, proved to be a huge benefit afterall. I got a pair of Coach flats for 60 RMB (starting price: 380) and NARS & MAC makeup: 50 RMB (starting price: 110). Thought I could've done a little better, but was happy nonetheless.

Back to the past a few days:
Halloween wasn't as fun as I had hoped, but figuring out what to be was the most fun yet. This was the first halloween I was unable to find a costume, since c'mon I'm in China. Their perception of Halloween is not one filled with children in Batman costumes begging for bigger bars of candy. Rather, their halloween is a profit for club cover charges and taxi rides to these bars and clubs. I was able to put together some random form of a glam rocker chick from the 80's. Pictures always explain it all.

So we got the gay german ballerina, the hippie, 80's glam rocker, a hitchhiker, belt-man Weien, and a basketball player who's hidden behind him. Wow, sucks not to have real costume shops in China.

These next few days we're going to find the hot spots we haven't seen, such as theh 798 art district, flag raising in Tian An Men square at sunrise, Ghost street, and much more!

I have yet to find clothing for Harbin, although I am so excited for the Ice Festival.

This entire city you see, is made out of ice. How I love Alliance and all these great excursions they take me on! Future reference Smithies, come on the Alliance program if you want to see what China is really all about. It's all covered in tuition!

Ooh! Also, got a real pair of Nike's from the Nike factory store for 195RMB (28USD). Awesome running shoes....worked out for the first time and wow, my muscles hate me.

All the way from the land of cheap goods, and cities made out of ice.