party update

Another beautiful blue sky followed a night where I actually saw stars (though in the middle of the week there were some grey days); and today was somewhat of a party. The best thing was seeing some of my friends who i look forward to seeing more on more frequent trips to Beijing and then a likely relocation back here sometime next year (still with Plan). However a close second was going to my favourite, cheap, chinese restaurant.

Despite the 'girls' struggling to find it (everyone else could!), the food was great: most of my favourites: Jiang Bao Ji Ding (Chicken and nuts in an addictive sauce), La zi Tu Dou Si (Friend strips of potato piled high with some spices), Ze Ran Yang Rou (Lamb fried in a layer of breadcrumbs or something), Jing Jiang Rou Si (Sliced beef served in tofu pancakes with spring onion and saunce), Yu Xiang Qie Zi (Typical Chinese Eggplant/Aubergine dish) and a couple of other dishes that people ordered including Chinese vegetables, Fried Beef and Sweet and Sour Pork. All this (3 servings of each dishes and rice of course) and a few bottles of beer each for about 45 USD in total for 16 people.

Most of the food is typical Beijing, and i definitely miss it. I have ordered it in Xi'an but it is often cooked differently, or does not exist. The only problem with my wonderful restaurant is it does not serve any Broccoli (a good vegetable option in China). If anyone happens to be in Guomao (the central business district) and is looking for a cheap, tasty restaurant, then this is (literally) the only option... plus in the winter its normally empty... however, I advise you not to go to the toilet.... The restaurant is just south of Jian Wai SOHO on the canal, and can be recognised by the red lanterns outside it.

A very pleasant day; although the ice skating was not as good as last year. Climate change has led to a warmer winter than usual, meaning Hou Hai (an ourdoor lake) was not frozen enough to go ice skating/chairing/cycling; which is cheaper, larger and much more fun.. oh well something to look forward to on my return in January! And of course, the fantastic hot chocolate in 'No Name' Bar.