For some reason, I didn't expect to like China, but actually, I am enjoying my time here immensely. Somehow, I have managed to avoid the crowds by staying away from the major tourist spots, and hence I found being in Beijing really relaxing. Being at the quiet Templeside House Hostel (www.templeside.com) has been a treat as well, as Bobby and his delightful staff have made my stay very special with their hospitality. What really gets me is how friendly the Chinese people are: extremely obliging and helpful, in particular when I get lost (once in a while), and although everyone in the street stares when I pass by, it doesn't feel obtrusive or uncomfortable, like in Sicily for example, or in some Muslim countries. They just seem genuinely curious and happy at seeing a foreign face,
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