Counting 6 days since I touched down in Beijing, what transpired in the last 2 months seems like a long haul from where I first intended to go. None of this was very much expected, although most of this is very much welcomed. Anyhows, I have finally left the horrors of Hong Kong behind me (the sucky food, lousy variety of eye candy and very irritating transport system), and have come to where I feel most at home – China!

Now that I am here, the project shall officially kick start, although of course there is another load of things to do thanks to my personal ventures beyond the scope of my job (which amounts to a good number now – 8 I guess...)

While juggling the crazy workload, I have taken a bit of time off to tour the city I have not visited for donkey years. From the famous downtown area of Wang Fu Jing to Chao Yang to Hou Hai, the city is home to some of the most sturdy architecture within china (the buildings are all very symmetrical, not very tall, but very broad horizontally).

The food is cheap, really cheap. I get my breakfast settled for less than 5 RMB, lunch and dinner in decent restaurants for less than 20 RMB each. Transport is relatively affordable, with taxi trips normally not exceeding 50 RMB (for long distance rides of 30 minutes). Oh and shopping for groceries and all is also very affordable, I get a whole load of junk food for about 40 RMB (an assortment of cup noodles, Pocky biscuit sticks, fruit juices and other weird snacks).

The sad thing about the whole arrangement is my accommodation. I live in a bloody hotel! This means I don’t get to cook on my own… which means my culinary skills are going to deteriorate to shit! Oh well, nevermind for now, not that I will find the time or energy to conjure meals for myself.

Now, for the picture updates: