Since coming back I've taken a long time to get over jet lag. they say a day for every hour removed, so I'm allowed two weeks officially and I seem to be taking that.
Beijing is an amaing city, moving at a fast pace towards being not a third world country. Theirdevelopment proceeds apace, a stunning change from 8 years ago when I was last there. It is a vital, happening place, but parts of old history, wandering the hutongs )traditional living spaces built around communal courtyards, remain. Michael and I enjoyed a morning Saturday walking thorugh a very old one, due for dismantling juding b the posters pasted on doors, etc. Great photograph opportunities.
Saturdays are a huge draw for the ordinary peole and families to visit the parks. The Temple of Heaven park is no exception. Gorgeous temples and marble edifices repainted and decorated for the Olympics are a marvel to see. Surrounded by trees, grassy paths and meandering small roads lead to new vistas everywhere. Apart from the constant traffic hum, you don't think you are in a city at all! Groups of choirs dancers, young taichi groups abound. One of my favourite places in Beijing for sure.
Michael is the composite tourist, enquiring, chatting, talking to everyone in his minimum Mandarin and our broken pidginl! We make many new friends. Both at the conference and on the street. We observe bike lockups for pick up and use and drop off somewhere else. The weekend is less polluted on the city roads, and the smell of roses everywhere is intoxicating, something you don't expect in Beijing. Along all the main highways, e.g. to the airport, huge varegated roses bloom. Also tree blossoms this time of year, my favourite time to be in China.
Just outside the east gate is shoppers paradise, the Hong Shu? Peal Market. the lower floor is fruit and veg and regular food items. the main floor electronics and touris trinkets galore, bargaining is king. We resist. Next floor up, clothing, luggage, bags, etc. I bargain ahrd for a new suitase, so durabhle the girl stands on top of it! It has built in locks, and I pay a lot less than in Calgary. We have accumulated gifts to bring back, including the new China Encyclopedia. I weight it on my bathroom scale. 3.3kilos. Also Consul Deng's wedding souvenirs from his wedding for his fellow consular staff back in Calgary - probably another 3 lbs. Having brought a large, well-packed Eskimo carving as our 60th Anniversary gift, I have capacity. Also traveling in busienss I can take 2 suitcases back.
Of course, no visit to the park market is complete without a visit to the classy 4th floors, home of the top end icons and Cathie's Jewelry, where a new string of black pearls joins my collection. I haven't been there for 8 years but Cathie remembers me! And we do a good deal. I know I've not udnerpaid when she throws in a pearl bracelet gift!
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