back to winter

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Did I say it wasn't that cold? - I lied! We have had snow this week and all my thermals, scarves, extra goves etc. came to good use. Even the trees are wearing winter coats and the lake in the park is frozen over.

This week I have spotted ............. a whole group of people linedancing in the park in the dark while the security policeman sang along,
and a girl acrobat all in white entertaining in a restaurant, balanced just by her mouth while juggling mats on both hands and both feet ! Tried Mongolian food last night - potatoes instead of rice - hurrah! We were treated to Mongolian throat music and then birthday cake courtesy of some other guests. So just the usual sort of thing really!

I explored Tian'amen Square with its famous gate and statues, because you just have to. And Qianmen Street, complete with a branch of H & M, but decorated with red lanterns for the end of Spring Festival. Cultural highlight was a visit to the Lama Temple - courtyard after amazing courtyard full of people burning incense and offering it to the gods / statues - one was 18metres tall carved from one sandal wood tree.

Also peeped in the Silk Market, which although famous is now aimed entirely at tourists and notoriously over priced so I didn't buy - but some gorgeous crafts and cushions etc which iImay not be able to resist when i get my apartment.

It's my last night at the hotel as we go by night train tomorrow to Xi'an for the annual VSO conference where i will meet all the volunteers based in China and also get chance to see the Terracotta Warriors - well worth 12 hours on the train.

Tell you about that next week
Gillian x

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Photos

Tian'anmen
the most famous gate in Beijing