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Published: December 31st 2007
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I came back 'home' in Hohhot on the 20th of December form Hong Kong. Only had to work for 3 days, including a christmas party organised by school in the brandnew 5* Shangri-La hotel on the 23rd.
Had to take the night train to Beijing that same night so made sure I drank enough beers beforehand (see Hohhot-The perils of modernlife in a desert city) and too some extra with me in the train as well. Was ready to rest my head on a shaking pillow in a soft sleeper compartment when some Chinese guys invited me to the hard sleeper for another
ping pi jiu (bottle of beer).
So drank that one too and probably tried to gurgle some Chinese words that I have learned during the last few weeks, and then it really was time to sleep off the alcohol before I was going to collapse between ''the hard sleepers''.
Woke up just before Beijing station, perfect timing I thought to myself, and because I had a few hours to spend, decided to make a lightning visit to Tiananmen square. Walked around a bit, was refused to take photo's of the local guards and had a photo taken
Dog.
I think his job is to make sure that nobody disturbs the little grass. with a random Chinese guy. (''I am handsome, aint I? Thank you so much!'') It's funny how many times I have been complimented on 'my level of handsomeness' whilst in China, you gotta love 'em for that.
I was picked up by a Chinese guy from the Qinhuangdao school on Beijing west rail station, bu only after I had given my phone to a random person on the street. I could not make clear that I was standing IN FRONT OF THE MAIN ENTRANCE.
Together we took the bus to forementioned city to get another piece of paper for me to be able to stay in China for a longer period;
The residence permit. Ofcourse got offered some chicken claws again on the bus or something else dubious enough to friendly refuse it.
(''No, really thanks, but I'm full.'')
Getting the residence permit only required to sit at a desk for 10 minutes and have my photo taken by a webcam, so that was easy!
In Qinhuangdao I celebrated christmas by going to anoter hotpot restaurant and an apparently famous Beijing Duck restaurant with some of the local teachers. Ofcourse there was loads of fireworks again that was so
lous, it set off the larms of about a dozen cars!
Because I had a day to spend before heading back to Inner Mongolia, I decided to head back to Shanhaiguan (see Welcome to China blog) to see another part of the Great Wall. This time higher up, where it heads into the hills in the direction of Beijing.
The temperature during the day was quite pleasant, so strolled around for an hour or two.
Then dropped my camera on the wall, which I hope to have repaired......if not, It'll be a while before there will be another blog.........
The school had booked me a hard sleeper this time on the way back home........I don't want to say too much about this, jsut that it was one of the most horrible night of my life, and that from now on, I will pay the little extra to fly.
Imagine one large train compartment containing 15 or so rooms without a door , 6 'beds' in each, and every single one of them has a snorring Chinese in it. A nightmare for anyone that can't stand noise when trying to fall asleep.
If I ever need to get a train
again for whatever reason, I'll head out to a pharmacy and get a large pack of valium or a nice Chinese equivalent.
Back in Hohhot, where snow has coloured the streets white and night temperatures are around -20, I hope to celebrate the coming of new year at a local bar/club and chill out for a few days. I wish everybody all the best for 2008, and hope to see you on the other side.
XIN NIAN KUAI LE!
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