五一！

Most mornings, I actually love waking up. It’s been a routine ever since I moved in here. I would brush up and then have breakfast and do QT at my desk by the orangey light from my lamp. Every morning…a luxury… =)
















It’s Labour Day! Christina and I signed up for a trip to十渡, but were informed last night that the road there was under repair, and there was a severe traffic jam. Highly disappointed, we opted out and joined some Singaporeans in their visit to 地坛 (Earth Shrine).

The crowds at the interchange were like those after the National Day Parade back home…just that, I suspect, this human flow lasted the entire day, and possible this entire week.















Tah-dah!!! 地坛 !


































牡丹花, China's national flower?















I don’t know if there were any symbolic infrastructure, but all we saw were a bazaar and huge book fair. Lisa, Christina and I were forced out of the garden by the heat slightly passed noon, while the rest stayed to read and buy books till 3pm.

We headed to 前门





















Crowds again, but this place was like more like Chinatown during Chinese New Year. ;) I used to dislike China’s sweet corn, cos it is not juicy and spread with butter as we have them. Instead, there are called “glutinous corn” cos they are highly starchy and you need to chew and chew for the flavour (and your own digestion). But somewhere along the way, I have come to like it… ;)















The heat literally drove us into a restaurant for a drink.




















NO, beer is not cheaper than mineral water, but it is cheaper than soft drinks and fruit juices. One bottle of 燕京啤酒 cost around 3-4rmb.

In the restaurant, I overheard a Caucasian man attempting to place his order. Pointing warily to the menu, he asked, “Is this…erm...moooooooooooooo???” Hahahaa...

An old photo that lined the stairway in the restaurant















This is really 直译. If the purpose of communication is to get what you want to say across fast and accurately, I guess this sign works fine. ;)















Hmm…if you think that 保健用品 refers purely to health products, you are so so wrong. These are adult shops, found very commonly in China.




















Next stop:新街口















Meeeeee gia in real wanton meeeeeee!!!! Mere words can’t express my satisfaction after lunch.





























Our ultimate destination was to reach 后海, supposedly a nice chill-out place where the pubs and bars are. We had to pass through various 胡同, and I really enjoyed seeing this side of Beijing that was almost untouched by commercialisation and urban development.

Hmm…then again, in preparation for the Olympics, some parts like the public toilet matters A LOT. I took a deep breath before entering, but it was remarkably clean and stench-less!!!




















These adorable little boys were playing by the road, and when I went forward to take a pic, they shouted, “老外！老外！老外！” so loudly I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. Me?! 老外！?!




















Anyway, the boys willingly posed as my models. So soooo cute! I love digital cameras that allow these kids to oooo and ahhhh at themselves on the screen. ;)















By the lake…


























































We passed by rows of pubs with comfy sofas + cushions by the lake. The ambience was good and the weather was cooling. I have to say that it is an excellent place just to chill. Walking on, we reached 烟袋斜街.




















Yummy 麻辣烫...Very much like our curry sauce!




















The shops in this area carry trendier goods, and you are unlikely to find the same piece/product in two stores. There were open-air bars situated above the shops, and one I saw was three-storey high.












































Pretty lanterns...if only I had space at home for them...















Got myself a coconut!















Unlike the relaxing ambience of the pubs near the lake, we arrived at an area that resembled Boat Quay quite a bit. Candlelights…dinner…and Starbucks (as opposed to BQ’s Coffee Bean =P) right at the end of the street. I couldn’t capture any worthy pics under those lightings…but thought this was pretty cool.















While I was taking the following picture, a man kept walking around me asking, “小姐，要摸吗？要摸吗？” =S Then I realised he meant 按摩...
















Well, the night didn’t just end there. We actually went back to the Wantan Mee place for supper! I had 麻辣烫 again, and ordered 皮蛋熟肉粥.















So proud of myself…I not only tasted mutton for the first time in China, I tried jellyfish and century eggs too. =) Hmm…still, starfish, dogs and donkeys are out of the question… =S

Okie, Monday’s over…I ought to stop my procrastination and get working on my reports.

gRacE =)