Storms Clean the Air

This is a tribute to rain, clouds, thunder, lightning and views from the 15th floor. We haven't seen better skies and breathed cleaner air than a storm that just passed over us produced, and so we're raising our glasses to the raging elements that treated us to a taste of home away from home. Even the sun tore the sky apart, reaching out with a cup in its rays and clinked our chalises.

Mmmm...I just relish using the English language when the occassion happens upon me.

Bike riding. Oh yes, that reminds me. The last three days I've spent hours on my little red riding bike. But what big handlebars it has. I've been attempting to get lost in this big city, but doing a hopeless job of it...since I AM a male and all. I just can't help but be un-disorientated. It's frustrating, but some of us have this burden to bear and I'm not going to start complaining about it. Well, guess what I found on my journeys? The new olympic stadium that's what.

It's still got a long way to go, but the WOW factor is there. Plus the 'what-was-the-architect-on-when-he-designed-this?' factor. See it though in its future glory by clicking HERE.

Done? Impressed?

Well, that wasn't all I stumbled upon. Say hello to this little beauty...

...Look, but don't touch!!!

And along the way...an ancient alley adorns an avenue...

...and a red lantern ridden road really rocked my ride...

...while a topless gardener garnished green and gold geranthiums with good ol' H20...

...and delivery dudes dine on delicious dishes discussing daily duties*

(That's why there's no one in the picture)

That reminds me. Today Michelle and I ordered a second bike for us - the same one but blue - so that we can go riding together and really live it up! Can't wait to pick it up from the bike shop tomorrow and unfold it...(see my previous posting for the 'unfolding' video).

Michelle is also looking forward to her first haircut/colour in Beijing, although with some apprehension. But the hairdresser came recommended by others in the Embassy so there's nothing to lose...except prehaps years of great haircare...

English teaching. That reminds me. This week I've started English teaching and I'm loving it. I have 11 students in my class, all in their 20s and above. I work 9am-1pm Mon-Fri. So far the students are really advancing - they now know that although kangaroos make for great postcards, they also make for great steak.

Also, we're really looking forward to our cousin Abby (Hi Abby! Excited?!!) coming to visit us from the 18th of July for two weeks. We were hoping our spare room would pay off, and at $50AUS/night we'll be making sure it does. (Kidding Abby!!! hehe)

We took another trip to the flea markets today and got a bit itchy, but took some rather good shots...so check out my National Geographic for more photos and if you get the time, check out the rest of the site.