Step 4 - I became the proud owner of a 1000 lb Beijing bike. I still need to get a basket but as of next week, i am cruising to work in style.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How to buy a bike in Beijing - step 4
Step 4 - I became the proud owner of a 1000 lb Beijing bike. I still need to get a basket but as of next week, i am cruising to work in style.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
I've been at the beach for a nice vacation before we all move back to Beijing. It has been great to see everyone - 7 weeks is way too long to be apart.The days have been full of sun and surf. The ocean is flat as a pancake today though so it will be a recovery day.
Everything appears to be set for our trip back on the 9th. Now - off to the beach to work on my tan ....
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The 798 District
The last few days have been frankly tough. I've been living in a hotel for over a month and bottom line am a bit worn out and miss the family. I head back to the States on Monday tho so things will be looking up.
Today, I debated whether to just hang in my hotel room or venture out. I decided to head out and boy am I glad that I did!
I went to the 798 District - an area devoted to contemporary art galleries, art shops, and cafes. I have been to art districts before but nothing like this. Imagine 10-20 city blocks filled will alleyways and every alleyway filled with (mostly) free galleries. On top of that, put many working artists shops, nice cafes, and a kick ass vegetarian lunch for under $3.
In the 60's - this was the Bauhaus of Beijing. It has lost its anti-establishment vibe and is not bohemian like it used to be but is pretty darn amazing in my book. Supposedly the "real" artist area has moved out of the city - shall visit that someday as well. However, as an art tourist, I think this was perfect.
This is the kind of place you could spend days and days and still not see it all. Definitely will be heading back for multiple visits.
A few things I saw are at the link below. Most are statues as many galleries did not allow photos. Much much much more to see than I captured here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30443412@N08/sets/72157624395180219/
Today, I debated whether to just hang in my hotel room or venture out. I decided to head out and boy am I glad that I did!
I went to the 798 District - an area devoted to contemporary art galleries, art shops, and cafes. I have been to art districts before but nothing like this. Imagine 10-20 city blocks filled will alleyways and every alleyway filled with (mostly) free galleries. On top of that, put many working artists shops, nice cafes, and a kick ass vegetarian lunch for under $3.
In the 60's - this was the Bauhaus of Beijing. It has lost its anti-establishment vibe and is not bohemian like it used to be but is pretty darn amazing in my book. Supposedly the "real" artist area has moved out of the city - shall visit that someday as well. However, as an art tourist, I think this was perfect.
This is the kind of place you could spend days and days and still not see it all. Definitely will be heading back for multiple visits.
A few things I saw are at the link below. Most are statues as many galleries did not allow photos. Much much much more to see than I captured here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30443412@N08/sets/72157624395180219/
Saturday, July 10, 2010
North Face Store - Beijing
Didn't have time today but I am SO doing this - the North Face store in Beijing has an indoor ice climbing wall!
Pink Lambourghini
Today, I saw another side of Beijing - the mega rich side. I went downtown to the English book store/cafe - right across the street from a big mall. While walking to the mall I came across this mildly nice car - a pink Lambourghini. A pretty sweet ride.
The mall is more of a super nice shopping plaza with most stores outside. Apple, North Face, Columbia, Sbucks, Addidas, Doc Marten - they all had shops there (and many more). Prices were pretty reasonable as well - similar to back home. Had a delicious fresh squeezed watermelon juice too.
China is really a land of have and have nots right now - the divide is amazingly large. Gives you a bit of cultural whiplash sometimes.
The mall is more of a super nice shopping plaza with most stores outside. Apple, North Face, Columbia, Sbucks, Addidas, Doc Marten - they all had shops there (and many more). Prices were pretty reasonable as well - similar to back home. Had a delicious fresh squeezed watermelon juice too.
China is really a land of have and have nots right now - the divide is amazingly large. Gives you a bit of cultural whiplash sometimes.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Mountains in Beijing
When I think of Beijing, I think of a pancake flat city full of old Chinese stuff and a ton of pollution. Reality is a bit different - there is plenty of old Chinese stuff and it is polluted some times but many days the weather is beautiful and the sky blue. We have had hot but great weather for the past week.
Also, while the city is flat, 1-2 hours outside of the city are rings of mountains. One of the guys at work takes his son hiking and exploring on a regular basis. From what I hear, it is really beautiful.
The Great wall of China runs through these mountains. Especially cool for hiking is the areas of the wall that have not been rebuilt for tourist purposes. These are supposed to be amazing - you can walk (carefully) on the crumbling wall in complete solitude. Cannot wait to go.
Also, while the city is flat, 1-2 hours outside of the city are rings of mountains. One of the guys at work takes his son hiking and exploring on a regular basis. From what I hear, it is really beautiful.
The Great wall of China runs through these mountains. Especially cool for hiking is the areas of the wall that have not been rebuilt for tourist purposes. These are supposed to be amazing - you can walk (carefully) on the crumbling wall in complete solitude. Cannot wait to go.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Bicycle man
From my walk around the music street - Xin Jie Kou - these bicycle repair guys are everywhere.
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