China in Review - The Empress Has Returned

Thursday:

Arrived and decided to JUMP.RIGHT.IN.

We walked along the backroads and alleys of the hutongs. I was already pumped as I was hoping we would see these very old little communities that are old Beijing. Grabbed some beers out of this alley shop (cooler behind us, for the US equivalent of 25 cents) and tried to teach some Chinese guys how to take our picture. I start to realize just how damn hot it is going to be here... and then went to Dali Courtyard for a traditional chinese dinner (within a hutong). Then off to Houhai for drinks and a fruity icy dessert (a lake area filled with bars and restaurants that was quite busy and bopping).

Friday:

Hopped on the subway to Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven) -- where there were a bunch of performers singing peking opera, playing instruments, paddling balls, playing hacky sack. Many senior citizens hang out here and we enjoyed watching them. Lunch at a Yunnan restaurant (big bowls of soup noodles). On to the Llama Temple with lots of incense and a really really big 5 story buddah. I decide make up is pretty much a lost cause as it is so incredibly hot! Cold drink at another hutong restaurant, The Vineyard Cafe. Then went to Rumi Grill (persian food) for dinner with friends. Out for a drink at Face Bar (cool asian decorated place where I tested my newly acquired scotch drinking). Foot massages followed somewhere around 11:30pm!! (the very relaxed photo!)

Saturday:

The smog cleared to a beautiful day and we headed to the Great Wall (mutianyu portion). It was spectacular!!! Can't say enough about this unbelievable feat at the top of mountains. Pics with some sort of Chinese warrior. Also some funny Chinese guys were posing all over the wall. One time they gave us the Olympic rings - very cute! Late lunch at the School House outdoors. You can sketch on the placemats, I tried to sketch the view above the roof of the Wall. Nails done later at Yashow - great 6 story shopping center where bargaining is expected. Sushi at Hatsune for dinner--YUM! Then to a friend's house for rooftop drinks.

Sunday:

Panjiayuan (the outdoor dirt market) for shopping and bargains. Drove by the olympic venues (Bird's Nest (national stadium for opening ceremonies and track), water cube for swimming, saw the marathon route, soccer stadium, etc), and went to the Summer Palace. Then we went to Yashow again to shop. Korean BBQ for dinner--cook your own meat on a grill in the middle of the table.

The Big Shorts

Monday:

Flew from Beijing to Shanghai for brunch at M on the Bund (took in the skyline). We were quite the hit with several Chinese men who wanted their picture with foreigners -- this happened quite a bit actually! Hopped on an afternoon flight to Hong Kong via Shenzhen. Went to an Italian dinner around central/soho on Hong Kong Island. We grabbed some late night drinks at Lan Kwai Fong and rode out a thunderstorm.

Tuesday:

Ate delicious bolobaos (pineapple buns) for breakfast from a local bakery. Walked around the outdoor market of meat, fish, veggies and fruit. Took the tram up to Victoria Peak and spectacular views of Hong Kong Island. We had a dim sum lunch (small portions in baskets--like tapas) and gelato while on the peak. We decided to do a last minute trip via ferry to Macau - an island off Hong Kong that is the Vegas of the Orient. Saw the remains of St. Paul's Cathedral and the fort next door called Forataleza do Monte. We had to have a McDonald's cheeseburger to see if tasted like home - yep! Walked around the Venetian -- looks just like Vegas! Headed back to HK island where we went to Peak Cafe for drinks and snacks.

Wednesday:

Waited for a fresh batch of bolobaos from our favorite little bakery. Went to Stanley Market to shop/lunch with our host's Auntie Elizabeth at the Stonehouse and enjoyed the beach side of town. Auntie is an absolute doll. Caught our flight back to Beijing and headed straight to another midnight massage! free snacks and drinks :) And yes, they are tres cheap. (mani/pedi was around $18; 1.5hr foot/leg massage around $12; 2hr deep tissue full body around $17; facial with massage around $12 - although these are from memory...)

Thursday:

Big white girl causing a scene while she ran and took pictures!! Brunch at Alameda in the hutongs (some sort of fusion). Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and then Jinshan Park (which overlooks the entire city). Took the empress photos here :D. Went to the acrobatic show...then facials for 1.5 hours that somehow involve your entire body...then dim sum somewhere around midnight!!

Friday:

Peking duck for lunch. Went down Wangujing (pedestrian street) where the flagship Olympics store is (ginormous)...and food street. Michele and Derek ate a scorpion or two, Nancy could not bring herself to the task. Last minute shopping then dinner at Serve The People --thai food. Then we decided to give it one last hurrah and do a pub crawl--Cocomo (the rooftop bar where the table next to us offered us cake), Black Sun Bar, Block 8 (very fancy mirror hallway, tres upscale - I felt totally ancient!).

Saturday:

Ate at Xiao Wang's (chinese food) in Ritan Park. Off to the airport and back to the real world!