Golden Week

'Forbidden' city???!!! Hi ho!

It's Golden Week in China - which means a whole week off work - and that means about 1.6 billion travellers getting about all over China. Chaos could be one word to describe it. Forget about tranqility when visiting the Forbidden City (see above!). On Tuesday, more than a thousand people were reported "lost" on Beijing's expansive Tian'anmen Square! We walked past the square that day and believe me - it was packed. It was how one might imagine China - sooooo many people. It wasn't the height of pleasure to feel like a sardine - but it was an eye-opener into what happens when China takes a week long national holilday! Warning to all thinking about visiting us in China - don't come in the 1st weeek of May!

As Michelle works for the Aussies, the Chinese public holidays don't count, but in the spirit of a 'fair go' the staff were given Tues and Wed off so as not to miss out on the stampede. I've also got a week off from Chinese classes so it's nice to spend the majority of it with Michelle.

Here's a taste of what we've been up to in the past week...

SUNDAY... We went to Jingshan Park which is just a stone's throw north of the Forbidden City.

Just a nice walk in the park with the flowers in bloom, the sounds of people making music and singing in small or large groups (I especially loved the piano accordian...*Rick, you'll fit right in!), people sketching or painting, sitting and chatting, exercising or chewing gum.

TUES... We hired some bikes (AUD$5 each for the day!) and went for a ride in the 'Hutongs'.
(A 'hutong' is an ancient city alley or lane typical in Beijing)




It was the most beautiful day on our 3-week record. Blue skies and temp in mid-twenties. We had lunch by a lake and tea by a tree. (Actually only the lunch bit is true, it just sounded better that way). After riding through the hutongs we decided to go home via Tiannamen Square, only to discover that we would become sardines in the process! Oh well - it was interesting to say the least. We felt secure though - what with the SWAT teams there and all. And everyone knew their place...

And there was no shortage of busses to get them home...

WED... We met up with our friends Barry and Tina (and their little one Tiana!) for an afternoon at Chaoyang Park.
The most amusing part of the day in a nutshell, was Michelle in...a bubble! I almost guarantee that you've never seen anything like this...


I suppose this activity would have mega insurance costs written all over it in OZ, but this is China - and here anything goes. Come on!- it looks like heaps of fun and don't say you wouldn't do it if you had the chance! So why didn't I have a go? Hey - someone needed to take the photos!
...And then there was the sight of people going fishing for GOLD FISH! Whatever they could catch in 30min was theirs to take home! Cool ay...?

And that was all the amusement I could bear...


Well it was a nice day out but nothing could compare with finishing it off with tea at Annies.
Voted one of the best italian resturants in Beijing. The carbonara was fantastic and the pizza was Yummmmmmmmm! It was like being back home. Foreigners included.

I was so inspired I had to draw the scene for you all!


Well that's a taste of some of the things we've been up to here in smoggy Beijing. Michelle is back at work and soon I'll start Chinese classes again. I'm also looking for work here so wish me all the best in finding something just right.

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Till next time,
ZaiJian! Peejing and Michanghai!