Adventures in China continued...

---

I'm up very late writing this entry because, well...China doesn't really agree with my poor body. I've come down with a case of China-itis. Don't fear, it's no swine flu but it does keep a person up late with an upset stomach and some extra time to reflect on their recent adventures in Beijing. Very convenient.

Saturday morning we sped off at a reasonable 330 kilometers per hour on the fast train out of Tianjin (or Tanggu to be more specific) into Beijing. The three of us and another Canadian teacher, Celeste, attempted to sneak into first class milking the whole "we don't speak Chinese" situation but to no avail. Instead we watched the trees whip by through the windows of the regular seats which would have been more enjoyable had we not been a little queazy from the all-you-can-drink sake and beer the night before...or maybe that was just me?

In Beijing we got down to business immediately, and by business I mean bargain hunting. We visited several markets which proved to be an experience in back handed compliments. The conversation between us and the vendors typically sounded something like this, "Hey lady! Lady! I want to make a friend with you. I give you good price because you are VERY beautiful. I have BIG BIG sizes that will fit you." Hmmmm...calling me chubby? Turns out that's the not the way to make a friend with me! Anyway, once we'd regained our self esteem Kristen and I learned from the pros (Anna and Celeste) how to barter and bargain with vendors. We all walked away content with our purchases and ready to try a roasted duck meal with Karen and her sister Christie (more friends from Tianjin).

After the weekend the girls with jobs had to return to the daily grind and left myself, Kristen and Christie to fend for ourselves in the big city. Now, this sounds more daunting than it was but when you factor in my and Kristen's lack of direction you can understand our nerves...but we rocked it!!! The first night, by the recommendation of the information girl at our hostel, we visited a happenin' strip of bars surrounding a canal type water way. We rented a pedal powered boat and drank some beers attempting to avoid other boats, swimmers and even a random dog in the water. Once ashore we headed to a rooftop bar where we met some friendly British boys who spent the evening with us checking out the various bar performers singing the love ballads the Chinese people seem to love so much. Our second solo night in Beijing was spent at the Chauyang Theatre watching the acrobats. I swear, I held my breath for the entire hour!!! Man, oh man...they are amazing. The show included plate spinning, contortionists, 20 girls on one bike, balancing acts and this contraption that resembled a flying hamster wheel. It's a must see if you're ever 'round these parts.

Today the three of us got up early and set out to investigate some tourist attractions. We managed to subway system by ourselves (impressive, right?) and made it to Tiananmen Square. From there we met a sweet Chinese man named Jon Wang who offered us a tour through the Forbidden City. Now, I'm sure he might have inflated his price a little BUT he was very knowledgeable and really made our experience there. He kept saying "I want to give you the cultural experience!" and he did. I learned a lot! In the end he wished us happy lives and passed on his business card to recommend him to friends. It's my pleasure to endorse Jon and "Wonderful Guy Tours" if not only for the fantastic name of his business. Haha.

We're back in Tianjin with Anna and crew now. It's nice to be reunited and we can hardly wait to begin our adventures in Vietnam (booked our tickets and applied for VISAs tonight). We'll keep you posted...

Love and hugs,
Kohle

---

Photos

2am Snack
Grabbing a bite to eat with the Brits at a Beijing 'Hole in the Wall'.

Beijing's Greatest
Sunday night live music.

Chauyang Theatre
The acrobatics show. Just one of many impressive stunts.

Wonderful Guy Tours
Jon giving Kohle some needed information about The Forbidden City.

Comments

[meghan]

awesome
Hey Kohle it sounds like you girls are having a great time, too bad I didnt get to see you before you left. so its off to Vietnam soon, wow that will be amazing. When are you home again? anyways miss you and cant wait to hear some more of your stories!