Beijing

It was great seeing Rina in Beijing. But not so great to know that her job's not really treating her well and leaves her no time to take care of herself! If it was one thing I learnt during my China trips, it's the fact that one should never be too polite. C'mon, you can't even get across the road if you're too polite! And it makes no difference even if it is a "legal" pedestrian crossing! Nevermind if you got there first for a cab, 'cos there will always be someone who comes later and coolly getting into the cab that you thought you'd flagged down. Nevermind if it is the grand lobby of a grand hotel; there will always be staff pushing a noisy metal trolley right across the lobby! It's either the staff needs re-training (which I'm told is "pointless") or the trolley needs re-oiling!

Anyhow, Rina had no choice but to leave work behind so that she can play host. I actually didn't feel half bad since I provided the perfect reason for her to leave work earlier (like 8pm!!!) and enjoy a soothing foot massage. Hou Hai where she brought me for dinner was beautiful. It is actually a stretch of eateries and pubs, filled with a young, fashionable crowd. And of course I tried my "self-photography" skills again - which turned out with hilarious effects. Rina (being Rina) decided that we should also get "proper" pictures and asked someone to take a shot too :-(

Wangfujing is another bustling street. Although tourist(y), it has quite a number of unique stalls. Like the chopsticks shop I found myself in. That's where I found a very pretty set for jemej as a wedding gift. And Rina's apartment was huge and comfy! Ironically, it's also where she spends very little time in :-(