Its raining today and i accidentally got drunk last night with a backpacker from Manchester (Simon) and these two chinese guys. Feel very dusty and like not doing much, which heavy rain is helping.
Been keeping busy, up early to see the Summer Palace and after that went across to the olympic park. The Summer Palace is amazing. Climbed the 100 steps so i think i will live to 100 years old, and the view, wow. I think it would be so much nice on a day when the pollution levels are lower. The other highlights were the the views from the top of the palace and the bridges.
The olympic park was interesting. so many people trying to sell you s***, and photos. it got on my nerves by the end. it didn't help i got scammed again, im learning and it was only 25Y so im not really that fused. The cube and birds nest are really cool up close. I'm not sure how much the birds nest is used now, there were s many parts of it that didn't work, its almost like it doesn't get used anymore. Might just get fixed for special events.
Got back and Simon had just returned, both ad sore feet from so much walking so we went out for street food and a beer. First place we went into for a beer sell Coopers and aussie meat pies!! Then out for dinner, had a couple of 8 yuan beers that were 600mls. It was about $1.20, how bad can it be. I think i know that now. The 2 dishes were really hot, it was great. just like the place Chris, Irene and I go to in melbourne...... almost identical dishes that i had.
Wandered along the roads where we found some live music being played. After we got our seats there was a line all night. Not sure if the singer was famous but there were alot of people who knew all the words so maybe he was. we saw heaps of people playing this dice game, turns out its a form of drinking game (or it is now). played this all night with live chinese music in the background and and rounds of tsing for 40-50 yuan. I think its going to be alot of fun when daylah get here.
Congratulations to Dave and Larissa, great news!!! we will have to have a beer when i get back in may. I had one last night for you, haha
the Beijing trains are interesting. They service the area really well, only all the maps a different. The system is being built right now so there are more stations than the trains and timetables say.
Im off to the art district tomorrow, then something else in the next morning until Daylah get in.
Talk soon