Beijing Mengxi Hotel

... We had not expected snow and in fact the weather report for Beijing was 10-20 Celsius. So as we neared our stop at Beijing it became heavier in snow cover. I dug out the thermals as the weather got cooler and prepared for the cold we were going to face. Excited to see snow again we waited as we came into the urban areas of Beijing with high rise towering apartment blocks. We arrived at around 4pm and after passing immigration we found the exit door of the train station and copped the icy ...

... the jar Lilach brought us 20 years ago, or something to bring to someone so they will not throw me and the present together.
Silk market: amazing, you'll not beleive how much money I spent there. Most of the cloth are sportive, knitting, coats - but I found enough to buy. Maybe I didn't bargain enough, anyway - it is half the prices of Israel. sUCH A MARKET: WHEN YOU ASK HOW MUCH IT COSTS, YOU'll not get a true answer: one said 1250Y, in the second alley they started from ...

I went to Beijing for a weekend with a group of my fellow CIEE students. On the train on the way to Beijing, I got my first ever marriage proposal. Here's how that happened: We were sitting together in seats, rather than in sleepers. We were completely surrounded by Chinese people, not all of them in seats, because you can buy tickets without a seat assignment as well (they're cheaper, but much less comfortable). On seatless, and clearly drunk man wandered up and asked the ...

... and a half playing Shuffle board before the 'quiet cabin time', 'happy hour', dinner and show routine. The show tonight was another performance by the new group of singers and dancers. This time it was called Classically Yours and was a combination of light operatic numbers, some ballet dancing and some Irish dancing - there are some lovely voices and some very clever dancers - great entertainment once again. Friday 29th What a difference. Our first impression of Japan was one of ...

... We really enjoyed Beijing a lot. It's a beautiful city and as David eloquently put it "the men are very lucky!!" as we people watched one day! All of the women in Beijing, no matter the place, time or occasion, will dress up to the NINES. They are so elegant and feminine. Made me feel like a right heffalump in my combats, trainers and sweaty vest-breasts. When we went to sort out our China trip, we were taken into the finance dept of the tower-block sized travel ...

baby gifts Shopping for newborn toys can be a nerve-wracking experience. There are no creatures as indecisive and moody as new babies, except for their parents. So when getting new baby gifts, you really should play it safe. Don't try to get subtle things for newborn baby, but get something that the parents will deffinitely really appreciate. Unfortunately, it is hard to ...

... well as climbing up the White Pagoda, where you get a really good view of the city- complete with multiple cranes and construction sites! But the park is probably my favourite in Beijing, and looks beautiful with the leaves changing as we move into fall. Anyways, this week looks like just another normal one, with lots of work for school, and hopefully getting to Xiangshan next weekend to see the red leaves. Hope everything's well at home, and send my love to everyone! xox Katie

... did it, I'll never know. I decided to treat myself to a popsicle and selected what I hoped would be lime flavour, judging by the colour of the wrapper. It turned out to be green bean. Not what I was expecting, but refreshing nonetheless. The following day we rose early and left by bus for The Great Wall, as we wanted to be there early to avoid the crowds. Those who were young and fit elected to climb the steep path to the Wall on foot. I was glad I ...

Het wordt almaar rustiger op het kantoor. Vele collega's zijn afgereisd naar huis om aldaar het chinees nieuwjaar te vieren met vrienden en familie. Op onze afdeling zitten alleen nog Xinli (die op woensdag 14-2 is vertrokken) en Xuefeng, een halve autist, waarvan je als je blind was zou denken dat het een kind van 6 was en die af en toe zich net gedraagt als een klein kind. Ook deze nog niet echt veel werk. We krijgen wat opdrachten van David, zoals het ...

... Very good quality. Y400. B. You're joking. Y15. S. No, no! Y300. B. Too expensive! Y20. S. You're killing me. Y200. B. No, too much. (Start walking away...) S. (Grabs you by the arm...) No, we talk. Y100. B. Okay, okay. Y25. S. No, you very good negotiator. Y80. B. Okay. Y30. S. No, no. My best price. Y60. B. My best price. Y40. S. Okay, okay. Y50. (Starts packing the garment in a bag). It was great fun, and the sales girls ...