Category Archives: Beijing

Graffiti With Chinese Characteristics

I’ve noticed that Beijing is really low on graffiti. There are exceptions — names and dates scratched into the Great Wall or dust-signatures on cars — but there are almost no spray-painted tags or the type of graffiti I’d expect … Continue reading

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Still Life Without Stick

Stick left today, which was just as miserable as the last time he left China. Airport goodbyes don’t actually get any easier with practice. We had a really insane 36 hours getting him ready to go. Finally, as he was … Continue reading

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Beijing Gringos

We set out for Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant last night, our second trip in Hugo and Diana’s visit. (Hugo may not be so fond of living ducks, but he loves them on a plate!) When we went inside, we … Continue reading

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Margaritaville, Fish Nation

At first, I don’t think Diana believed me that “margarita” is Chinese for “not beer” but after a rainbow of tasty random cocktails around town, I think she did. These ones are at Fish Nation, a yummy British pub near … Continue reading

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Taxi Rejection

Often I hop into a Beijing taxi, only to get out again when the driver refuses to take me where I want to go. I thought this was a reaction to my bad Chinese but as I understand more and … Continue reading

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Vegetarian And Tea Restaurant

103 West Dianmen St. (DiAnMenXi DaJie) 西城区地安门西大街103号,齐鲁饭店后院内. XiCheng District (In the second ring road, just outside the north entrance to Beihai park) The outside is nothing special, just a light-up sign saying “vegetarian restaurant”, but the inside is a wonderful … Continue reading

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Pounds Sterling

Last night, I went shopping with Diana on the little streets by Qianhai. There’s a gorgeous old street, lined with craft and clothing and tea stores, and one place selling nothing but decorative matchbox covers.  There’s also a stinky-tofu vendor … Continue reading

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Please Get Ready For Your Arrival

My friend Hugo likes to laugh. I mean, he really likes to laugh. He can’t tell a joke because as he’s telling it, he thinks of how funny the punchline is, and laughs too hard to keep talking. He’s a … Continue reading

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Mojito Competition

When I saw this on the first sign a few days ago, it was pretty funny, but now I think it’s a trend. I think it’s the two colors and the lovely font that really do it. Edit: Stick thinks … Continue reading

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Blog Schizophrenia

Sorry for the recent blog schizophrenia! I think I’ve got most of it worked out now… My PayPal adventures became less funny when they decided that I didn’t really pay WordPress for domain forwarding, and canceled the charges as an … Continue reading

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