1st Day in Beijing

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This was the first day I peer out behind closed doors. The plane ride was uneventful, no one had any flu symptoms and as a result, NO ONE had to spend 7 days in quarantine. That was a big relief. In Hong Kong, where I changed planes to finish my trip to Beijing, I learned that when the coffee house states steamed milk - it's not steamed milk in your coffee - it's just steamed milk. It's time that I stop thinking that I think I know what is meant, but to ask questions, to make sure I understand what is meant. They were very nice and poured out some milk and replaced it with coffee. It wasn't quite 1/2 milk and 1/2 coffee like I had intended, but it was close.

When I arrivedin Beijing, we went through customs and had several check points where our temperature was taken. I had no trouble finding all my luggage and after I struggled loading all of it onto a cart, I then began the hunting process for a taxi. Luckily, I had made a copy of the instructions to the hostel and pasted it into my calendar. The taxi driver read the instructions and I swear, he shook his head, as if to say, she doesn't really want to go there, does she? We found the hostel, it's very close to the inner city and is in fact, located in a hutang. These are neighborhoods that are now protected from overbuilding so that the historic value of the city can be protected. I walk outside my door and almost across the street are local vendors - I can walk down a couple of blocks (more like an alley) and find fresh food for sale, fish, vendors selling food.

I walked to one of the main streets in the area and immediately noticed that the flavor had changed from local vendors to huge department stores, name brand items and even McDonalds. The traffic is orchastrated and has a unique sound of various diffrerent road noises along with an occasional bell warning about an incoming bicycle. The reaction I get from people vary - sometimes I get a hi or hello with a slight laugh afterwards - that's a sure sign of someone having fun at my expense. And then sometimes I catch the eye of someone - I smile and they smile - that's when I feel welcomed.

I've included some pictures I took today and will explain under the caption of each.

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Photos

The alleyway of a hutong
This is looking down the street directly outside my hostel.

Street Sign
I took this picture in case I got lost - at least the camera had a picture of where I needed to be

Flowers
These flowers were given to me by a very old woman. She wanted me to take a picture of them. They were pretty but full of thorns.

flower woman
This is the woman who gave me the flowers, she turned back to make sure I was taking their picture.

Local Cook
One of the local vendors - I had a steamed dish with some sort of meat. Also served was a sour dish and a congee rice soup. Actually, it was very good.

Comments

[Bobby]

exciting
Bev, I look forward to your next entry. I know you are going to have a great time in China. Are you having any luck ordering food in cafes. I know Dave said that was a big challange, not knowing Chinese he would point, order and hope for the best. Bobby

[Cheryl]

You made it!
How exciting! Not only have you made it, but you are brave enough to explore and eat! What an adventure! Have a wonderful time. I am looking forward to seeing your next pics. Cheryl

[Acupuncture Bev]

Food Challenge
Yea, Bobby, it's already been a challenge. A dumpling looks like a dumpling - you just don't know what's inside! I've been to some pretty safe places to eat. Last night I joined some friends and they had a spinish dish that looked great. Fresh spinish with egg. That was a meal all by itself. There's very little packaged food that I've come across so far. Looks like when I get home, I'll have to cook more.