Travel blog: Beijing (Nov 2009)

Can't remember the last holiday I had. Was it Korea with the gang or resort get-away @ Batam with Serene?

This is my 1st time. On a tour group.

Previous trips had always been free & easy. I liked the freedom that comes along with it.
If i'd feel like going for a walk in the park or chill at some cafe at he corner of the street, i'll take my book along and do it. All by myself. Just me myself and I.

Beijing was somewhat different. You can't go to BJ. Chengde.Tianjin on your own without a tour group i supposed. Imagine falling off the stairs of the Great Wall and nobody notices. Cos nobody is expecting u bck at the tour bus to be in a head-count.

Kidding.

Beijing has lotsa buildings with history dated a long time ago. I thought all the buildings actually looked the same. Kinda like shrines & temples actually. I cannot differentiate. At all.

The Great Wall of China - I scaled the Great Wall 2 stops higher than what recommended by the tour guide. The feeling being on top of the wall is simply peaceful. I wished i could remove all my winter clothing and just strut upstairs to the highest and prop myself on the ground to enjoy the breeze.

I actually did sit myself beside the shop to enjoy the breeze. That was also because i was gasping for breath after all that climbing *face red*

I wished we had more time than the 1 & 1/2 hrs allocated.

Chun Hui Yuan Hot Spring Resort - The one @ my hotel looked more like a giant bathtub. Will go to Jpn for the real one. Who wanna go Japan with me?

Ya Xiu Shopping Centre - Fake LVs and sales assistant practically grab you like they wanna mug u! They are pretty impressive, well versed in English, French and anything you can think of. I love the Longchamp! Wished i had bought more but lost all e time to bargaining.

Did i say i got myself a pretty pair of brown boots? Knee length! (To suit my 1.73m frame) Hard to find in SG..

Jingyi Hotel - The hotel rooms have sizes like the suites in SG. Very luxurious. With a bathrub! What more can u ask for..

Chinese people in China - They are still spitting on the ground. : ( Nevertheless, very friendly. I feel safe.

Chinese food in China - Peking duck is definitely better in Tung Lok SG. Theirs ain't so crispy. And the food is too SALTY! Dumplings also ain't as nice as what we have here.

Pearl Factory - I bought some bottles of pearl powder, supposedly gd for complexion. U need some? Call me

Silk Factory - Get me out of here

Dr Tea - I wish i was rich so I could buy all that Dong Fang Mei Ren tea. Then i will also become a 大美人.

Figurines factory - *Yawns*

Pi Xiu factory - got a Pink Pi Xiu for myself!
(Pi Xiu <<貔貅>> is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered to be a very powerful protector against evil spirits. It resembles a winged lion)

All in all, I Love China. At least i will not be in fear of being mugged/raped/murdered. And i love to be able to 讲华语 without anyone laughing at my 'standard' of Mandarin.