I awoke early and wandering around Beijing this morning. I actually saw some local military guys running. The military here is funny, they stand around everywhere constantly at attention guarding what seems to be pointless areas. None of them have weapons and they all look 16 years old. I saw a lot of people out working out in the morning. They have these parks with exercises machines that look like playground equipment but they are row machines, elliptical, stair steppers, and such. You also see old people doing dancing and sword play. Its funny how few children there are here. I see very few babies and when there is a baby every dotes on it like its a rarity. I guess the one child law is taking its toll.
It takes so long to get anywhere in the city by car. I went about 3 km (2 miles) and it took an hours and a half. There is no such thing as right of way here and cars have to get into the middle of another road to get through and turn. Its shear chaos. The subway is pretty good and very cheap. Actually everything is crazy cheap. Quite a few people stare at me here. I've caught about three people taking my picture randomly. Everyone is friendly and helpful here. I haven't felt like I was in danger at all yet. Well I was worried I was going to get thrown in jail at the Mao memorial. All the workers there were dicks. Except for not having my bag, its been a lot of fun. I am really smelly, but its fine because I just fit in with the locals more. They all have BO and bad breath. There are weird smells everywhere here. Not really bad just odd. Like my room smells overpoweringly of curry or some other spice but you stop noticing it after a few minutes. Well I am off to haggle at an antiques market.
| 
4 votes 
