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Published: November 7th 2009
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Well winter has officially arrived! The first of November Beijing was blessed with a large downfall of snow. It was quite surreal to awake and be greeted by the sight of flakes falling thickly and blanketing the city. Obviously I reacted in typical Lindsie fashion and began jumping around and screaming for all the boys to wake up and "be as excited as me". They stared in sleepy bewilderment as I bounced off the walls, running to the balcony to stick my head out and catch snowflakes on my tongue, and then rushing back inside to defrost. Eventually I calmed down enough to make some fresh coffee for the lads and we then all sat on the couch, sipped our hot coffee, listened to Christmas songs and watched the snow fall. Apparently that was the most snow Beijing has seen in four years. There are many rumors flying about, suspecting that the government made it snow, etc. but I don't really care why or how it happened. All I know was that day was MAGICAL!
The snow is all but gone by now, but the days are becoming bitterly cold. I don't know how these Chinese girls manage to look stylish during the winter and think it quite unfair as I look like a roly-poly freak, waddling about Beijing clad in every stitch of clothing I own. The heat for the city should be turned on by the 10th, so we just have to be patient and freeze until then. I swear that it is colder in my apartment than it is outside. As a consequence from this cold snap it seems that everyone is ill. Last week I had a ferocious fever and only just now am beginning to feel better. My voice is still a tad husky, which really works against me for recording. Luckily my producer is a gem and bother her and my voice partner, Zach, plied me with all sorts of Chinese herbal remedies. I will be healed!
You know you are going to have a good day when the first thing you encounter in your building complex is a black man loudly singing "Billie Jean", and busting out these outrageous (and poorly executed) dance moves for no one in particular. There were a few bemused Chinese observers. I don't think they quite knew what to make of the man. I can't do justice describing the oddity of this scene. It was all I could do to not burst out laughing... what a strange morning!
I love restaurants here... as you walk down the lantern lit streets you get harassed by men whose sole purpose is to yell out the wonders and delights that establishment has to offer, and occasionally try to grab and drag you in as you pass by. It's like psychotic shaker-boarding. I just giggle and attempt pass unscathed. It's a hard-sell approach with everything here. If words don't convince you - perhaps physical violence will! The whole concept of personal boundaries is basically nonexistent. While at a hot pot restaurant the other day I was lucky enough to be punched in the thigh, dared to eat the spiciest of chilies, and had my camera's halloween photos snooped through by my waiter! It was really incredible and had me in hysterical laughter for the majority of the meal. He was quite enchanted with our group and tried to integrate himself as much as possible. When I accepted the chili challenge he was so impressed and overcome that he would shout out for the other waitstaff and patrons to observe this crazy foreigner chowing on chilies! He thought I was crazy. (I thought the same).
Well, tomorrow I become a movie star again, so I must practice my lines. Apparently this is a travel instructional film and my character is booking a tour to Tibet... gripping material!
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christi
non-member comment
yo crazy
lindsie! take your vitamins! i hope the chinese remedies work for you. im still getting over the fact that you made meatballs in that mop bucket... i know you know how to clean.. but still... i cant believe it snowed! i really cant imagine that. crazy! how does heat for the city work? throwing the love