Had a realllllyyy busy day at work today with lots of things to do so was quite relieved to have plans for the evening to relax. We went to see Batman at the cinema, we went to this cinema that was on the 5th floor of a building because it was only 26RMB which is really cheap! And the cinema was actually pretty nice, the seats are much bigger and comfier than the UK, and the film was in english (even if it did have Chinese subtitiles).
I was quite surprised by the film, thinking I would enjoy it but it was good, I didnt even realise Anne Hathaway was in it, she was really good and the boys were happy! Not so much for the girls to look at though, we decided Batman was getting old!
Really nice evening, although I had a slight problem getting home! The subway shut. I was on the train and they said we are arriving at Jishuitan, where the train terminates. Ah. 3 stops away from where I live. So I thought okay, no problem I'll just have to get a cab can't be much from here, so with my new cab lingo I attempted to negotiate in Chinese, although after establishing where I lived, and them telling me there were no buses or subways (you dont say, thats why I am stood here arguing with you) they decided they were gonna play the rip the foreigner off game. So all the official taxis refused to do it by the meter, even when I told them I knew it was illegal to not have the meter on, and instead said they would take me home for 100RMB!!! An absolute rip-off. So I refused, especially since I paid 50 the other night from Sanlitun, where I had just got the subway half way from! A taxi driver, not in a cab said he would do it for 50, so reluctantly I hopped in, hoping he had understood the address and I was actually going to get taken home for that price. A big sigh of relief when I was dropped on my road, for 50, and although it worked out completely fine in the end, I'd rather not be in that situation again!! Think i'll just get a taxi from there directly next time!
Time for sleep, work again tomorrow and my extra chinese classes! xx
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Monday, 27 August 2012
Bargaining, Bars and Bugs
Another busy couple of days, but I'm not complaining much happier running around trying to fit everything in rather than doing nothing! And thankfully looks like my last couple of weeks are gonna be just as good as this weekend!
So yesterday morning I woke up early (not quite the 7am exit I'd planned but left by 8, which wasn't bad I thought!) and headed to the Zoo Market. Although the Zoo market is not just one market, but about 7 different markets all spread out around the same area. Some of the markets were insanely crowded with screaming and shouting in chinese, people running their huge trolleys stacked with clothes into you, and tiny stalls where there were just heaps of clothes and I have no idea how they could even see what is for sale!! I hastily left those ones and in fact the first one I went into was the one that I bought the most from when I returned after the more traumatic experiences!! Still get shocked with how cheap everything is, and thats with me paying foreigner prices, which are probably about 10% higher at least than Chinese would pay. I got a coat/jacket for £18, which I think is such a good price! All this was over by about 11.30 and I was absolutely exhausted but I couldn't nap as the cleaner was coming so my bed was all folded up. So instead I treated myself to a nice lunch, I had read reviews about the restaurant I went to and was hoping for slightly more Western chinese food from what I had read unfortunately the reviews were wrong, and although it was quite yummy, it was definitely not western style in the slightest and was expensive, so I used one of my few chinese phrases to make sure I got a "dabao" - doggy bag! - with the leftovers!
I was supposed to spending Sunday in the countryside, but my travel plans didnt work out so unfortunately I couldnt get there, however this meant that I could go all out on my night out and not have to worry about getting up in the morning - Perfect! And now here is possibly the best part of my weekend, I had a proper night out in Beijing. After not being able to go out for weeks, even months, I was so pleased to be going out. And what was even better is it meant I got introduced into a group of friends who are all expats, and we're all really nice, and i've already been invited to loads of other things they're doing and arranged dinner and drinks with a few people during the week. I just wish I'd had found them all a month earlier!! But now I just have to make the most of my 3 weeks left :)
So my night out was great, and Beijing lived up to being cheap with a 50 RMB entry into the club, (£5) and an open bar once you are in (although the alcohol quality was dubious!). The guys had to pay more - the benefits of being a girl! If only these kind of deal existed in Newcastle, then again, I think it could get very messy if this was in Newcastle! One of the things I love about Beijing bars and clubs is the roof terraces, it is so much nicer than being stuck inside!
I did have to use a squat toilet though, and whilst a little tipsy lets say I was worried it was not going to go well, however I think it was in fact much easier! I've been lucky with avoiding them so far though, and only had to use them a few times since I've been here. The other great thing about Beijing nightlife, there is no closing time!!! And as many know, and probably one of my more annoying drunk moments being when I dont want to leave the club ever, even when it shuts, so no closing/late closing times are perfect, so this meant I got home around 5.30, and tried my best to be quiet and not wake Vivian up!
After all that excitement I took the chance of a lie in and caught up on some sleep! Waking up in time to get ready for Chinese class and scooted off there. Then ended up with some last minute plans to go to Wangfujing Street markets with my new friends! Wangfujing markets are food markets where you can get all the foods you see being sold in the street plus some interesting extras! The extras being the bugs, the snakes, and a bit of cat and dog! As you can guess I opted out on tasting them (that could be poor Oscar!), although some of the others did. I honestly don't know how they did it. Some stalls even had live bugs which you watched being deep fried and killed!!!! So gross. But an experience none-the-less. Here are a few pictures of some of the stalls:
And that's my weekend, and a very good one it has been! Now I better get some sleep before work in the morning!!
So yesterday morning I woke up early (not quite the 7am exit I'd planned but left by 8, which wasn't bad I thought!) and headed to the Zoo Market. Although the Zoo market is not just one market, but about 7 different markets all spread out around the same area. Some of the markets were insanely crowded with screaming and shouting in chinese, people running their huge trolleys stacked with clothes into you, and tiny stalls where there were just heaps of clothes and I have no idea how they could even see what is for sale!! I hastily left those ones and in fact the first one I went into was the one that I bought the most from when I returned after the more traumatic experiences!! Still get shocked with how cheap everything is, and thats with me paying foreigner prices, which are probably about 10% higher at least than Chinese would pay. I got a coat/jacket for £18, which I think is such a good price! All this was over by about 11.30 and I was absolutely exhausted but I couldn't nap as the cleaner was coming so my bed was all folded up. So instead I treated myself to a nice lunch, I had read reviews about the restaurant I went to and was hoping for slightly more Western chinese food from what I had read unfortunately the reviews were wrong, and although it was quite yummy, it was definitely not western style in the slightest and was expensive, so I used one of my few chinese phrases to make sure I got a "dabao" - doggy bag! - with the leftovers!
I was supposed to spending Sunday in the countryside, but my travel plans didnt work out so unfortunately I couldnt get there, however this meant that I could go all out on my night out and not have to worry about getting up in the morning - Perfect! And now here is possibly the best part of my weekend, I had a proper night out in Beijing. After not being able to go out for weeks, even months, I was so pleased to be going out. And what was even better is it meant I got introduced into a group of friends who are all expats, and we're all really nice, and i've already been invited to loads of other things they're doing and arranged dinner and drinks with a few people during the week. I just wish I'd had found them all a month earlier!! But now I just have to make the most of my 3 weeks left :)
So my night out was great, and Beijing lived up to being cheap with a 50 RMB entry into the club, (£5) and an open bar once you are in (although the alcohol quality was dubious!). The guys had to pay more - the benefits of being a girl! If only these kind of deal existed in Newcastle, then again, I think it could get very messy if this was in Newcastle! One of the things I love about Beijing bars and clubs is the roof terraces, it is so much nicer than being stuck inside!
I did have to use a squat toilet though, and whilst a little tipsy lets say I was worried it was not going to go well, however I think it was in fact much easier! I've been lucky with avoiding them so far though, and only had to use them a few times since I've been here. The other great thing about Beijing nightlife, there is no closing time!!! And as many know, and probably one of my more annoying drunk moments being when I dont want to leave the club ever, even when it shuts, so no closing/late closing times are perfect, so this meant I got home around 5.30, and tried my best to be quiet and not wake Vivian up!
After all that excitement I took the chance of a lie in and caught up on some sleep! Waking up in time to get ready for Chinese class and scooted off there. Then ended up with some last minute plans to go to Wangfujing Street markets with my new friends! Wangfujing markets are food markets where you can get all the foods you see being sold in the street plus some interesting extras! The extras being the bugs, the snakes, and a bit of cat and dog! As you can guess I opted out on tasting them (that could be poor Oscar!), although some of the others did. I honestly don't know how they did it. Some stalls even had live bugs which you watched being deep fried and killed!!!! So gross. But an experience none-the-less. Here are a few pictures of some of the stalls:
 |
| Crispy Fried Creepy Crawlies!! |
 |
| LIVE scorpions ready to be fried! |
 |
| Gross things, especially the cat and dog! (Second in on top left, next to the snake) |
xxx
Friday, 24 August 2012
Busy Bee
Again I've been lacking in my blogging duties, but this time at least I have a good excuse! I've just been tooooo busy! (Aint nobody got time for that)
On Wednesday I met up with a spanish girl, Angela, and we went for dinner and then ended up meeting two Australians and going for cocktails, and then before we knew it, it was 2 AM and I had to be up at 7 for work!! So I grabbed a taxi, a surprisingly easy task, and was tucked up in bed by 2.30. I was so glad to have a bit of a night out though, after a year in Newcastle my body was starting to go into shock!
The guys we met were working out here, and I reckon probably had a lot more money than a poor student like me, so they took us to some really nice places, unfortunately they obviously weren't rich enough to pay for our drinks too, so it was a bit of a pricey night! Beijing may be cheap, but head to the western expat areas and youre paying almost London prices. One of the places we went called Migas, had a roof terrace which had an amazing view over Sanlitun, and the terrace was really nice. Unfortunately I didnt get my own picture but here's one I found online:
We went to a couple of other bars too in the same building, called Fez which had a roof terrace too and Apothecary. It was a nice evening weather wise, not too humid and clear skies so was lovely to sit outside. We even saw some stars which in Beijing is a rare sight!
I stayed at Simons thursday night, and was treated to a dance show by Nat and Imi before dinner, there were tickets and everything! Then just relaxed and went to bed. The good thing about staying at the boss' house is when he is going in late, I get to too! So this morning we dropped Natalie off at her first day of school and we got shown her classroom(s). The school was really impressive they have a science lab in infant school!! As well as a cooking classroom, and music studios, I wanted to stay for the day!!
So we didn't get into work until about 10am, which made my day go much quicker, although I've actually been quite busy doing a marketing project at the moment which has been really interesting. Simon said today that I could have some time off every day to do intensive chinese classes if I wanted, so I'm going to look into finding a school near work so I can learn a bit more!
In the car this morning, Natalie decided I needed a chinese name so after much hilarity and laughing her head off making up silly names like curly head, but in chinese, we decided she wasnt allowed to pick! But when we got back in the car Simons driver had thought of one for me. I find it so bizarre that you can just make it up but its what they do, normally you would go to an elderly, respected chinese person and they would spend a lot of time to think of it, but Mr Tang will do for me! So my Chinese name is Wang, Ying Xia. The second name always goes first for some reason, he described it as my first name meaning english sunshine, and then the second name literally means King, but is often added to make the person sound more important, and he also decided Wang sounded a bit like Wilde and that the lion is the king of the jungle!! Some logic behind there somewhere. Simon told me about his name I can quite remember what it is but its something like born again, because he wanted it to reflect renewable energy - like I said bizarre! My next challenge is learning to write it, most of it is simple, wang and ying are both simple characters but xia is a 17 stroke character, so will probably take a while to learn that one!
Got a busy weekend ahead of me, tomorrow I am waking up early to go to the Zoo Market, which is a wholesale clothes market, and you have to go early because its where all thee boutiques go to get their stock and it gets very busy and sells out quickly. So my aim is to leave here at 7AM!! But I'll hopefully be able to get back and have a nap before the ayi comes to clean, and the market is only one subway stop away so I dont have far to go. Ill probably go to the gym in the afternoon, and then in the evening I am meeting up with Angela again and another Australian, but a different one! Then hopefully we are going to meet up with some other expats and have a bit of a night out which will be fun.
Sunday I am off to the country side for the day, I think its some kind of gorge, Adrian - Sarahs brother - asked me to go, theyre camping there saturday night but because I already had plans Im going out on Sunday with some other people. I don't really know much about where we're going but I will tell you more when I've been!
A long post today to make up for all the missed ones! Been here 4 weeks now, gone so fast, and its just getting good!
xxx
On Wednesday I met up with a spanish girl, Angela, and we went for dinner and then ended up meeting two Australians and going for cocktails, and then before we knew it, it was 2 AM and I had to be up at 7 for work!! So I grabbed a taxi, a surprisingly easy task, and was tucked up in bed by 2.30. I was so glad to have a bit of a night out though, after a year in Newcastle my body was starting to go into shock!
The guys we met were working out here, and I reckon probably had a lot more money than a poor student like me, so they took us to some really nice places, unfortunately they obviously weren't rich enough to pay for our drinks too, so it was a bit of a pricey night! Beijing may be cheap, but head to the western expat areas and youre paying almost London prices. One of the places we went called Migas, had a roof terrace which had an amazing view over Sanlitun, and the terrace was really nice. Unfortunately I didnt get my own picture but here's one I found online:
We went to a couple of other bars too in the same building, called Fez which had a roof terrace too and Apothecary. It was a nice evening weather wise, not too humid and clear skies so was lovely to sit outside. We even saw some stars which in Beijing is a rare sight!
I stayed at Simons thursday night, and was treated to a dance show by Nat and Imi before dinner, there were tickets and everything! Then just relaxed and went to bed. The good thing about staying at the boss' house is when he is going in late, I get to too! So this morning we dropped Natalie off at her first day of school and we got shown her classroom(s). The school was really impressive they have a science lab in infant school!! As well as a cooking classroom, and music studios, I wanted to stay for the day!!
So we didn't get into work until about 10am, which made my day go much quicker, although I've actually been quite busy doing a marketing project at the moment which has been really interesting. Simon said today that I could have some time off every day to do intensive chinese classes if I wanted, so I'm going to look into finding a school near work so I can learn a bit more!
In the car this morning, Natalie decided I needed a chinese name so after much hilarity and laughing her head off making up silly names like curly head, but in chinese, we decided she wasnt allowed to pick! But when we got back in the car Simons driver had thought of one for me. I find it so bizarre that you can just make it up but its what they do, normally you would go to an elderly, respected chinese person and they would spend a lot of time to think of it, but Mr Tang will do for me! So my Chinese name is Wang, Ying Xia. The second name always goes first for some reason, he described it as my first name meaning english sunshine, and then the second name literally means King, but is often added to make the person sound more important, and he also decided Wang sounded a bit like Wilde and that the lion is the king of the jungle!! Some logic behind there somewhere. Simon told me about his name I can quite remember what it is but its something like born again, because he wanted it to reflect renewable energy - like I said bizarre! My next challenge is learning to write it, most of it is simple, wang and ying are both simple characters but xia is a 17 stroke character, so will probably take a while to learn that one!
Got a busy weekend ahead of me, tomorrow I am waking up early to go to the Zoo Market, which is a wholesale clothes market, and you have to go early because its where all thee boutiques go to get their stock and it gets very busy and sells out quickly. So my aim is to leave here at 7AM!! But I'll hopefully be able to get back and have a nap before the ayi comes to clean, and the market is only one subway stop away so I dont have far to go. Ill probably go to the gym in the afternoon, and then in the evening I am meeting up with Angela again and another Australian, but a different one! Then hopefully we are going to meet up with some other expats and have a bit of a night out which will be fun.
Sunday I am off to the country side for the day, I think its some kind of gorge, Adrian - Sarahs brother - asked me to go, theyre camping there saturday night but because I already had plans Im going out on Sunday with some other people. I don't really know much about where we're going but I will tell you more when I've been!
A long post today to make up for all the missed ones! Been here 4 weeks now, gone so fast, and its just getting good!
xxx
Monday, 20 August 2012
And it's week 4!!
Sorry, I was a bit of an absent blogger last week, was a bit of a quiet week really so there wasn't that much to be said!
So to round off last week, work got a little bit more interesting. I sat in on a marketing meeting, which was really interesting and then I spoke to the global head of HR and she said that she's got some stuff that I might be able to work on this week, so fingers crossed I'll be a bit busier. Although today, I had nothing to do all day!
Friday evening, I went to the DVD shop, 10 Dvds for £8. A bargain to be had I think! And then I went to a Middle Eastern restaurant where I had a chicken pitta and some chips, very yummy, and I thought of it as my replacement Nandos! When I was there they gave me this book, and its like a takeaway menu but for loadssss of restaurants and they all deliver! Even McDonalds! I think this needs to come to the UK, McDonalds delivery on a hangover day would be amazing!
On Saturday the weather was miserable, and I was feeling a bit the same way, so I headed to the gym and then went over to Simons for the evening. They were out but I played around with Nats, had some wine, watched some TV and had a good nights sleep in a proper bed!!
Sunday, was much nicer weather so me and Natalie played around in the garden, then they went off to the pool but I had to go to Chinese class. This weeks topic was talking to taxi drivers, ironic seen as though I got majorly ripped off by one on Saturday!! I didnt feel very well yesterday, think I picked up a bit of a tummy bug so after Chinese class I went home to bed! Another early night tonight I think!
Can't believe I'm into my fourth week already! Exactly four weeks tomorrow and I'll be packing up and heading home! That's scary! Think I need to work out what else I want to do while I'm here and make sure I fit everything in. Yes, think its time to stop moping around and make the most of my time left!
That's if I don't get eaten alive by bugs. I'm currently totalling about 30 bug bites, and yet to find repellent in the shops!! (an itch reminded me to moan about that too!)
xxx
So to round off last week, work got a little bit more interesting. I sat in on a marketing meeting, which was really interesting and then I spoke to the global head of HR and she said that she's got some stuff that I might be able to work on this week, so fingers crossed I'll be a bit busier. Although today, I had nothing to do all day!
Friday evening, I went to the DVD shop, 10 Dvds for £8. A bargain to be had I think! And then I went to a Middle Eastern restaurant where I had a chicken pitta and some chips, very yummy, and I thought of it as my replacement Nandos! When I was there they gave me this book, and its like a takeaway menu but for loadssss of restaurants and they all deliver! Even McDonalds! I think this needs to come to the UK, McDonalds delivery on a hangover day would be amazing!
On Saturday the weather was miserable, and I was feeling a bit the same way, so I headed to the gym and then went over to Simons for the evening. They were out but I played around with Nats, had some wine, watched some TV and had a good nights sleep in a proper bed!!
Sunday, was much nicer weather so me and Natalie played around in the garden, then they went off to the pool but I had to go to Chinese class. This weeks topic was talking to taxi drivers, ironic seen as though I got majorly ripped off by one on Saturday!! I didnt feel very well yesterday, think I picked up a bit of a tummy bug so after Chinese class I went home to bed! Another early night tonight I think!
Can't believe I'm into my fourth week already! Exactly four weeks tomorrow and I'll be packing up and heading home! That's scary! Think I need to work out what else I want to do while I'm here and make sure I fit everything in. Yes, think its time to stop moping around and make the most of my time left!
That's if I don't get eaten alive by bugs. I'm currently totalling about 30 bug bites, and yet to find repellent in the shops!! (an itch reminded me to moan about that too!)
xxx
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Bargain Hunt
Last night I didnt have time to blog as I was worn out from my after work activities. I decided to go to Yashow market which is an indoor market, filled to bursting with all kinds of exciting things. It has 5 floors, all packed with fake goods! When I first arrived I realised I wasn't in the right mindset as within 10 minutes I had bought a fake mulberry clutch that I wasnt even that sure I wanted and probably for a higher price than I should of. Although she did start at 900 and sold it me for 100 RMB! If anyone actually pays their starting price they must be nuts. Nuttier than a squirrel.
So after this, I "put my head in the game" and concentrated, my next purchase of some Abercrombie tracksuit bottoms, resulted in me being chased down the aisle going ok, ok as I had been arguing for the sake of £1, simply for the principle! That was all I bought on my shopping trip, for now, but hopefully I will have money spare at the end of my stay, and can go crazy! There were big boxsets of DVDs, watches, sunglasses, everything!! And if anyone has any requests, just let me know!!
My subway tale of the day (for yesterday) was nearly being chopped in half by the doors as they beeped as I dashed through them as I was running late, the first time a public transport mishap has actually been my fault. Luckily I made it!!
And today, was a pretty average day, work and the gym. I got to sit in on a marketing meeting today and that was really interesting, a nice break from my spreadsheets and endless numbers!!
Tomorrow I am going to visit Imi and stay at Simons, she had her tonsils out on Tuesday so is feeling quite sorry for herself so I thought I'd attempt to cheer her up. And a nice break from Chinese Gma, who has told me I should sit in the lounge on my computer instead as its more comfy, (by printed translation) and is currently laughing her head off at a Chinese total wipeout type show but with lots of singing.
Short but sweet today xx
So after this, I "put my head in the game" and concentrated, my next purchase of some Abercrombie tracksuit bottoms, resulted in me being chased down the aisle going ok, ok as I had been arguing for the sake of £1, simply for the principle! That was all I bought on my shopping trip, for now, but hopefully I will have money spare at the end of my stay, and can go crazy! There were big boxsets of DVDs, watches, sunglasses, everything!! And if anyone has any requests, just let me know!!
My subway tale of the day (for yesterday) was nearly being chopped in half by the doors as they beeped as I dashed through them as I was running late, the first time a public transport mishap has actually been my fault. Luckily I made it!!
And today, was a pretty average day, work and the gym. I got to sit in on a marketing meeting today and that was really interesting, a nice break from my spreadsheets and endless numbers!!
Tomorrow I am going to visit Imi and stay at Simons, she had her tonsils out on Tuesday so is feeling quite sorry for herself so I thought I'd attempt to cheer her up. And a nice break from Chinese Gma, who has told me I should sit in the lounge on my computer instead as its more comfy, (by printed translation) and is currently laughing her head off at a Chinese total wipeout type show but with lots of singing.
Short but sweet today xx
Monday, 13 August 2012
Chinese Class and Familiar Faces
Yesterday I had my first chinese class in the evening so took the rare opportunity of a lie in and then headed off to the gym before class. The class was supposed to be a group class, but I was the only one there!! So on one hand it was good as I got a one on one class for the price of a group class but I was also hoping to meet some people! But she did say she has another British student she will try and introduce me too! This weeks survival class was on the topic of shopping, and in 2 hours we did 4 pages of vocab and a few sentences structures. I left the class feeling like my head was going to explode!! I also learnt that there are some sounds that an English speaking mouth is not supposed to make and no matter how hard I tried I cannot make a Ts sound, or whatever it is!! When I left she said Id done well and she was impressed with how much we'd covered so that's good, I just have to work on remembering it now! Someone from work asked me today what Id learnt and I could barely remember anything!!
After Chinese class, I went over to Simons house for dinner, they had flown back that day and invited me over. It took quite a long time on the subway and 3 changes to get there but I made it, and when I got there Imi and Nat, leapt out the car screaming Becky and ran across the car park to give me two big cuddles, a very nice welcome! I went back and had a yummy dinner, and a good catch up with everyone :) And it was lovely to see some faces that I know!! The only problem came, when Simon had assumed I was staying, however, I didn't realise this and didn't bring anything with me, so in the morning I drove into work with S+S but then had to subway home change, and head back into the office again! But this wasn't even the issue, the issue came when I got home tonight, and my Chinese Gma (Chinese Grandma - new name for Vivians mum) came in the door and started shouting at me in Chinese, and really shouting, realising I hadn't let her know I wasn't coming home and actually not having any way to let her know or her to contact me, she had been worried and I felt really bad! In the end I had to ring Simon and ask him to explain to her I was sorry because I wasn't understanding anything! She then gave me a sheet of paper with various sentences on telling me not to come home late, and our address in Chinese if I get lost, and lots of other things! I know they're just trying to look after me but its all very stressful!!
I'm just glad its now all cleared up, and I must be forgiven as I've had another peach shoved in my face, or should I say tao (one of my new words I learnt yesterday!) xx
After Chinese class, I went over to Simons house for dinner, they had flown back that day and invited me over. It took quite a long time on the subway and 3 changes to get there but I made it, and when I got there Imi and Nat, leapt out the car screaming Becky and ran across the car park to give me two big cuddles, a very nice welcome! I went back and had a yummy dinner, and a good catch up with everyone :) And it was lovely to see some faces that I know!! The only problem came, when Simon had assumed I was staying, however, I didn't realise this and didn't bring anything with me, so in the morning I drove into work with S+S but then had to subway home change, and head back into the office again! But this wasn't even the issue, the issue came when I got home tonight, and my Chinese Gma (Chinese Grandma - new name for Vivians mum) came in the door and started shouting at me in Chinese, and really shouting, realising I hadn't let her know I wasn't coming home and actually not having any way to let her know or her to contact me, she had been worried and I felt really bad! In the end I had to ring Simon and ask him to explain to her I was sorry because I wasn't understanding anything! She then gave me a sheet of paper with various sentences on telling me not to come home late, and our address in Chinese if I get lost, and lots of other things! I know they're just trying to look after me but its all very stressful!!
I'm just glad its now all cleared up, and I must be forgiven as I've had another peach shoved in my face, or should I say tao (one of my new words I learnt yesterday!) xx
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Back Lake Ramble
Today I had no plans, so I decided to do one of the "neighbourhood walks" from the guide book I brought with me, this one was called "Back Lake Ramble" and took me past some tourist spots in the Doncheng district. It took me past this famous opera singers old house, but you had to pay to go in, so I read the sign outside and moved on, one of the old universities, and various other quite boring tourist spots which I chose to observe from the outside.
It then led me down a road called LiuYin Jie, which was a street that was maintained by the army and local residents. I then went and looked at the Yanfang Hutongs, the family rank is displayed on the entrance to their "courtyard", some are very luxurious and others very basic.
Then came my favourite part of the day, and possibly one of my favourite moments since being in Beijing, the hutongs led to the park, and in the guidebook it recommended that you stop of at Family Fus Teahouse, so I thought it would be rude not to and headed inside, the inside was all decorated with Ming Dynasty furniture and very traditionally chinese. I was seated in a little two seated area with a beautiful view of the lake and a perfect spot for people watching!
The owner spoke good english and explained all the different kinds of tea to me, I went for a green tea, which was surprisingly delicious as I didnt think I really liked green tea. I was also given some snacks of which I had no idea what some of them were, but they all tasted yummy!
The final part of my ramble was a shopping street - YAY! There was this shop all about post boxes, is was quite weird, at the back they had all the british postboxes, and they had this minature versions of traditional hutongs and other buildings with a peep hole to see what they were like inside. It was quite interesting but I have no idea what the shop was about!! I picked up a couple of presents and also bought some postcards to send home! :D Next challenge getting them posted!! I stupidly bought stamps when I got them, but I dont think they will work internationally, bit of a blonde moment!
So that was my day today, and although it may read like a bit of a boring blog post, I think it has been one of my best days here so far.
xxx
It then led me down a road called LiuYin Jie, which was a street that was maintained by the army and local residents. I then went and looked at the Yanfang Hutongs, the family rank is displayed on the entrance to their "courtyard", some are very luxurious and others very basic.
Then came my favourite part of the day, and possibly one of my favourite moments since being in Beijing, the hutongs led to the park, and in the guidebook it recommended that you stop of at Family Fus Teahouse, so I thought it would be rude not to and headed inside, the inside was all decorated with Ming Dynasty furniture and very traditionally chinese. I was seated in a little two seated area with a beautiful view of the lake and a perfect spot for people watching!
The owner spoke good english and explained all the different kinds of tea to me, I went for a green tea, which was surprisingly delicious as I didnt think I really liked green tea. I was also given some snacks of which I had no idea what some of them were, but they all tasted yummy!
I spent about two hours just sat in the teahouse, it was that kind of place where you could just sit and think, I realised it was probably the first time since I got there that I actually reflected on my time here, not just what I've done or going to do, but more about what the experience has been for me so far.
When I eventually left I continued on my "ramble" further up the lake there were lots of bars and cafes that looked really nice. I also got videoed today, but had no idea what they were saying. Maybe it will go viral and ill be a celebrity of China!
The final part of my ramble was a shopping street - YAY! There was this shop all about post boxes, is was quite weird, at the back they had all the british postboxes, and they had this minature versions of traditional hutongs and other buildings with a peep hole to see what they were like inside. It was quite interesting but I have no idea what the shop was about!! I picked up a couple of presents and also bought some postcards to send home! :D Next challenge getting them posted!! I stupidly bought stamps when I got them, but I dont think they will work internationally, bit of a blonde moment!
So that was my day today, and although it may read like a bit of a boring blog post, I think it has been one of my best days here so far.
xxx
Friday, 10 August 2012
The Best In Beijing
So tonight after work I went on the hunt for apparently the best dumplings in Beijing, after reading many reviews on the internet, I searched out Xian'r Lao Man in Andingmen. When I finally got there, I waited for a table and noticed everything was in Chinese, so I started rummaging through my bag for my phrase book but luckily the waitress noticed and gave me an English menu! This made it much easier! I ordered some pork dumplings and thought id try one of the vegetable dishes too and got some pumpkin. But I did not need it I couldn't finish either of them! I have to say though, the dumplings weren't that great, they were ok but if theyre the best beijing has to offer I'm not so sure!!
The other strange thing was because I was waiting for a table for 1 they put me and another lady on a table together, she was so miserable and was a very bizarre meal!!
The whole staring at me thing went one step further today, someone stopped me in the street and asked for a picture of me!! Not doing anything or with anything just me stood in the street, it was so weird!!!! The two girls I met up with last week said this had happened to them but I thought I'd managed to get away with it! Apparently not! So some Chinese family will have a picture of me!!!
So crazy!
On my way home, I stopped to get some water and guess what I spotted.. Vienetta Ice Lollies! I dont think you can get them in the UK!! So I got very excited and bought one, but then I decided I dont even like them that much, but still thought it was exciting haha!
I was meant to be meeting up with Em and Petra tomorrow to go to the Forbidden City, but Em has toothache so can't make it, so we're going to meet up another time. So that leaves to make my own plans for tomorrow, I think I might have to do some shopping!!!
Here is a picture I took on my way home from the bridge outside where we live:
xxxx
The other strange thing was because I was waiting for a table for 1 they put me and another lady on a table together, she was so miserable and was a very bizarre meal!!
The whole staring at me thing went one step further today, someone stopped me in the street and asked for a picture of me!! Not doing anything or with anything just me stood in the street, it was so weird!!!! The two girls I met up with last week said this had happened to them but I thought I'd managed to get away with it! Apparently not! So some Chinese family will have a picture of me!!!
So crazy!
On my way home, I stopped to get some water and guess what I spotted.. Vienetta Ice Lollies! I dont think you can get them in the UK!! So I got very excited and bought one, but then I decided I dont even like them that much, but still thought it was exciting haha!
I was meant to be meeting up with Em and Petra tomorrow to go to the Forbidden City, but Em has toothache so can't make it, so we're going to meet up another time. So that leaves to make my own plans for tomorrow, I think I might have to do some shopping!!!
Here is a picture I took on my way home from the bridge outside where we live:
xxxx
Thursday, 9 August 2012
2 Weeks In China!!
I cannot believe another week has gone, mon-fri just flys by! I thought that today I'd post a kind of round up about the past 2 weeks, highlights, things i've learnt, stuff I might have forgotten to mention etc.
So here goes:
So here goes:
- I learnt that pollution can actually be seen, one day you can see buildings and the city and the next you can wake up and literally not see outside your bedroom window!
- People on the subways in Beijing are mental, and will not stop for anyone or anything! Today my dress got ripped as someone pushed past and their bag caught on my dress, and instead of stopping they just kept pulling, making a big hole in my dress.
- Same goes for buses, as my cut heel shows.
- Make up is a waste of time for work as by the time you get there on the 2 subways and a bus ride, its all melted away - yet I still keep doing it!
- Street food stalls are very popular and are everywhere you go, they smell delicious and I wish I was brave enough to try them!
- Cereal is very hard to find!
- Chinese supermarkets are just weird, too much yelling and too many gross things.
- And the "pharmacy" if you can call it that, is very different to a western chemist. I went looking for plasters and came out with a 30cm roll of bandages and some tape that hardly even sticks!!
- I saw my first chinese drag queen with a moustache in the supermarket, why he decided the moustache was good for his look that day, with his neon dress and platform flip flops I'll never know.
- I have only got lost about 3 times, twice being in the past two days after taking the wrong buses, thankfully worked out a way home after much walking around. (my boss said oh yeah you can get pretty much any bus between work and the subway - hes wrong!) Although I did get to catch a mahjong tournament when I was lost yesterday, was very interesting to see.
- Chinese is a very hard and unique language.
- Miming is a good way to communicate!!
- The chinese people love to stare at foreigners and have no shame in doing so, even when you directly look at them to let them know youve seen them staring, they will carry on. It can be quite uncomfortable especially on the subway, today this guy even moved places so his view of me wasnt blocked. Feel like holding a sign saying I'll be here everyday for the next 6 weeks, you dont all need to stare.I might start selling tickets!
- First experience in a tuk-tuk.
- Tried so much new food, often whether I wanted to or not, but most of it has been yummy!
- Took a trip to the Summer Palace, very pretty but very hot!
- Met some very nice people in my office who have been very kind and helpful, even though it is hard for some of them to speak english.
- Food etc, is so cheap in China.
- Clothes from branded shops are expensive.
- Sometimes people just want to start talking to you, even though you clearly have no idea what they're saying (twice today!)
- Normal people live in hutongs, not just poor people, it is quite common for retired people to live in them.
- Beijing is definitely a city that never sleeps!
I think that covers most things, if I think of anything else I'll tag it on the end.
Vivian went on holiday today, and her mum came to stay, she speaks no english. This could be an interesting two weeks!!
xxxx
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
More Exploring (but with pretty nails!)
Sorry I’ve not blogged for a couple of days, I haven’t really
had much to say! But today I went out and did a little more exploring. I think
having the blog is good as it forces me to go out and do something so I have
something interesting to write about, especially during the week when it’s much
easier to head straight home after work and do nothing!
So today I decided to take advantage of China’s cheap beauty
salons and went for a manicure, it wasn’t shockingly cheap but at 110 RMB (£11)
it was a very good price, and the salon was beautiful. I chose the one that was
recommended in my guidebook and was close to work, and when I finally found my
way there they luckily had an appointment free. The spa was called Dragonfly.
The beautician took a lot of time and care and unlike the UK
they put my hands under the air dryer for half an hour to make sure I didn’t ruin
them as soon as I left! It was a perfect pick me up treat. They do massages for
reasonable prices too, I might have to have one of them too!
After I’d had my nails done I went for something to eat and
a bit of an explore, I was in Sanlitun, which is quite near work, I came on
Sunday for a look round the shopping malls etc. but during the night it had a
completely different feel. All the bars and restaurants on bar street were
busy, with Chinese people taking over the mics on the karoke at only 8/9pm!! I'm going to have to get some of the people from work to take me out on a ktv night, they all love it, I think it must be hilarious! Although I'd be scared they will all take it seriously and I'd just be chuckling away to myself!
Further around the back where some more restaurants and shops are there were huge street cooking stands set up, cooking all different kinds of things, the smells were amazing and if I wasn’t such a chicken I would have tried something. In the end I ended up in a tempura restaurant where I had some tempura prawns, and afterwards I passed a cupcake shop, where I had a mini green tea cupcake which was surprisingly yummy! I then decided to head back as it was very muggy today, and I was tired after being at work all day! Here are some pictures I tried to sneakily take as I was wandering around:
Further around the back where some more restaurants and shops are there were huge street cooking stands set up, cooking all different kinds of things, the smells were amazing and if I wasn’t such a chicken I would have tried something. In the end I ended up in a tempura restaurant where I had some tempura prawns, and afterwards I passed a cupcake shop, where I had a mini green tea cupcake which was surprisingly yummy! I then decided to head back as it was very muggy today, and I was tired after being at work all day! Here are some pictures I tried to sneakily take as I was wandering around:
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| The street food stalls |
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| One of the HUGE KTV (karoke) buildings!! |
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| Bar Street |
One of the things that I keep seeing more and more of is
people begging, and the majority of them have no legs or, even no bottom halves
of their body at all!Tonight alone I must have seen
about 7 people, some lay down, others being guided up and down the subways
begging. It is horrible, I don’t understand how they manage, you want to help
them but you can’t give money to everyone! One boy collapsed with wooden legs
today on the subway home whilst he was begging, it was very upsetting.
On a lighter note, I decided that the best thing to do
whilst I’m here is probably to keep busy and keep doing as many things as
possible, so I’ve just signed up for some survival Chinese language
classes, they are every Sunday for two hours and hopefully I’ll meet some
people whilst I’m there! As well as learning some Chinese,I may improve my repertoire from "hello" "my name is" and "chopsticks" oh and "not spicy!"
I don't want my lovely nails to chip, so that’s all for today!
Will blog again as soon as I have something interesting to blog about other
than what I had for lunch! Hah!
xxx
Sunday, 5 August 2012
The Summer Palace!
Today I met up with 2 Czech girls who are doing an internship at the Czech embassy, Em and Petra, they were both really nice. We went to the summer palace, which is where the royal family of China would go to reside in the summer. It was huge (around 750 acres)! The royals must have had a jolly old time. It was a lovely day today, the sun was shining and there was barely any pollution, but this meant that it was soooo hot - especially for sightseeing! (could probably have managed lying by a pool!) So we didnt spend as long there as we might have done otherwise. The park was very beautiful, there is a huge lake called the "Kunming Lake" which is actually man made! It was nice by the lake as there was a good breeze. We were surprised how many chinese there were visiting the summer palace, I think sometimes we forget that China is more than Beijing!
It was interesting to hear Em and Petra's point of view on Beijing, they've already been here a month and have about 3 weeks left. However, I think their experience has been quite different to mine as they have been living in the embassy, and so with many other Czechs, they have also had each other and other interns to do things with.
Here are some snaps we took at the summer palace:
Bye xxx
P.S HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!! xxx
It was interesting to hear Em and Petra's point of view on Beijing, they've already been here a month and have about 3 weeks left. However, I think their experience has been quite different to mine as they have been living in the embassy, and so with many other Czechs, they have also had each other and other interns to do things with.
Here are some snaps we took at the summer palace:
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| The entrance to the summer palace. |
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| The summer palace - we think! |
 |
| The Kunming Lake |
Bye xxx
P.S HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRACE!! xxx
Friday, 3 August 2012
I Survived a Week!!!
So, I've been here a week already!! Cannot believe it, in a way it doesn't feel like 5 minutes since I got off the plane, but on the other hand it feels like I have lived here for ages! The subway is no longer so scary, and I'm getting quite good at fighting my way on and off the trains!! Even if I did end up in a bit of a losing battle with a bus today, but I will explain that later!
Yesterday I was too tired to blog when I got home, so decided to save it all for today. I tried out my new chinese phrase I had learnt in the taxi "Qing zai zher ting" - please stop here. But unfortunately he did not understand, so I resorted back to my miming ways and started flapping my arms around, and just saying stop! I think I'm gonna have to work on my chinese! Although I did learn how to say chopsticks and not spicy yesterday too, I'm kind of trying!!
One of my colleagues wanted to show me one of the shopping malls after work - IT WAS AMAZING! There are about 5 malls altogether, a lot of the same shops, but some individual shops and I had an experienced opinion from Daisy, where was good and which shops were her favourites. I will definitely be making a visit there next time I have no plans at the weekend! Daisy had to go to her English class, so I grabbed some dinner and then headed home. I have to admit I gave in and had a kfc! It was my first western meal since I got here (a week isn't too bad I don't think!)I did try to look for somewhere else, but I was tired and had been carrying my laptop around all evening so went for the easy option with pictures and english writing! One of the malls is even called The Gate - just like being in Newcastle!!
Today I got a taxi driver who could speak good english, it was a nice change, and he was also waiting when I got off the tube! Very lucky! Although, he didn't know where to go and asked me to direct him, I wasn't sure my directions would get us there, but I must have a better sense of direction than I think as we made it on time! Another colleague and my boss took me out for lunch today to a western restaurant around the corner from work, it was very nice and a nice change to the Chinese place we normally go. Although, we cannot use our lunch vouchers here, and I felt bad as they wouldn't let me pay! Everyone at work has been so kind since I've got here, it has definitely made things much much easier!
And then the bus attacked! The bus from work to the subway was extremely crowded, and the driver opened the doors before people had the chance to move so I could move away from the door, trapping me in the door, and cutting the heel of my foot quite badly!! When I got off the bus I was trying to clean it with my antibacterial wipes and stop it bleeding and a chinese lady came over and was trying to help but I didnt understand! So I decided the easier option was just to leave it and head home as she seemed to be getting more and more agitated!
I even managed to make it to the supermarket this evening, even if it did take me probably 3 times longer than it should of when I was there and I didn't really leave with much as all the meat in there scares me, I actually saw fried baby chickens today, with their heads and beaks and everything. On first glance I thought they were bats, I had to have another look. I swiftly moved on and decided I just needed to get my shampoo and conditioner - who needs food anyway!? Eating out is the way forward here I think! Although I did buy a fork for the apartment so I can eat my pasta, thought it may take a while with chopsticks!!
Wow, what a week, such an experience but very tiring! Im tucked up in my bed, ready to catch up on a bit of english tv and then a good sleep before my weekend of sightseeing!! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures this weekend, haven't used my camera yet!! xxx
Yesterday I was too tired to blog when I got home, so decided to save it all for today. I tried out my new chinese phrase I had learnt in the taxi "Qing zai zher ting" - please stop here. But unfortunately he did not understand, so I resorted back to my miming ways and started flapping my arms around, and just saying stop! I think I'm gonna have to work on my chinese! Although I did learn how to say chopsticks and not spicy yesterday too, I'm kind of trying!!
One of my colleagues wanted to show me one of the shopping malls after work - IT WAS AMAZING! There are about 5 malls altogether, a lot of the same shops, but some individual shops and I had an experienced opinion from Daisy, where was good and which shops were her favourites. I will definitely be making a visit there next time I have no plans at the weekend! Daisy had to go to her English class, so I grabbed some dinner and then headed home. I have to admit I gave in and had a kfc! It was my first western meal since I got here (a week isn't too bad I don't think!)I did try to look for somewhere else, but I was tired and had been carrying my laptop around all evening so went for the easy option with pictures and english writing! One of the malls is even called The Gate - just like being in Newcastle!!
Today I got a taxi driver who could speak good english, it was a nice change, and he was also waiting when I got off the tube! Very lucky! Although, he didn't know where to go and asked me to direct him, I wasn't sure my directions would get us there, but I must have a better sense of direction than I think as we made it on time! Another colleague and my boss took me out for lunch today to a western restaurant around the corner from work, it was very nice and a nice change to the Chinese place we normally go. Although, we cannot use our lunch vouchers here, and I felt bad as they wouldn't let me pay! Everyone at work has been so kind since I've got here, it has definitely made things much much easier!
And then the bus attacked! The bus from work to the subway was extremely crowded, and the driver opened the doors before people had the chance to move so I could move away from the door, trapping me in the door, and cutting the heel of my foot quite badly!! When I got off the bus I was trying to clean it with my antibacterial wipes and stop it bleeding and a chinese lady came over and was trying to help but I didnt understand! So I decided the easier option was just to leave it and head home as she seemed to be getting more and more agitated!
I even managed to make it to the supermarket this evening, even if it did take me probably 3 times longer than it should of when I was there and I didn't really leave with much as all the meat in there scares me, I actually saw fried baby chickens today, with their heads and beaks and everything. On first glance I thought they were bats, I had to have another look. I swiftly moved on and decided I just needed to get my shampoo and conditioner - who needs food anyway!? Eating out is the way forward here I think! Although I did buy a fork for the apartment so I can eat my pasta, thought it may take a while with chopsticks!!
Wow, what a week, such an experience but very tiring! Im tucked up in my bed, ready to catch up on a bit of english tv and then a good sleep before my weekend of sightseeing!! Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures this weekend, haven't used my camera yet!! xxx
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
I FOUND SOME WHEETOS!!
And milk (UHT but still milk), and pasta and pesto!!! YAY!
That is all! :) xxx
That is all! :) xxx
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