Happy New Year!

As people slowly start to catch their flights back home for the Chinese New Year, Beijing slowly begins to shut down. Restaurants board up their windows and stack the chairs while others merely put up a sign which I assume says, “Happy New Year”. The streets seem a bit less crowded and by Friday, I’m sure they will be empty. My gym closes in 2 days and for that first week of February, I’m not sure the word ‘bored’ will even come close to  the way I will feel. Happy Chinese New Year!

My 9 year olds gave me this before they left for vacation

Still have no idea what it means. Anybody know Chinese?

10 minute difference

Cake in the face, classic

It’s about to get real

Place called ‘Solana’

I suppose all the Christmas lights can be justified as ‘Chinese New Year lights’ as well.
Have a dentist appointment in 2 days and to be honest, I’m nervous. I expect it to be a routine teeth cleaning like I’m used to, but I’ve quickly learned that China is far different than the States.

Line 1 is the worst

Played Jeopardy in class and used real money in honor of the Chinese New Year

I’ve never seen kids be so excited about winning the equivalent of .04 cents. I’ve also noticed several firework stands being constructed around where I live and keep getting more and more excited in anticipation of their grand opening.

Ahhh..

The joy of Chinese Spring Festival, where everything shuts down for at least a week. I’ve been running around Shuangjing trying to negotiate deals with hotel gyms to let me workout while my gym is closed. Had a desk clerk contemplate a bribe until a manager walked around the corner and I was firmly told, “Sorry, it’s $40 for 1 time”.

The question remains, “What to do for a 2 and a half week vacation in China?”

Sunday morning in Beijing

‘Beyond index’ worries me a bit

Company party

Had a lot of Chinese girls come up to me and drunkenly yell, ‘Oh you’re that guy on the website’ 'Yep..’ So this is what fame feels like

Guomao building + some sort of ‘art’ piece in Sanlitun

Partay hats!!

Good on ya'

I wear shorts to the gym and to work, and as of late, all Chinese dudes over age 30 look at me, smile, and give me a thumbs up when they see me. People are always asking me if I’m cold, to which I reply, “I’m not a little girl”. My Chinese isn’t great, but I can still convey sarcasm. The cultural behavior in China never ceases to amaze me. 

Korea

Headed to South Korea. Should be getting in around 3pm. Adios Beijing

I looooove ‘Holiydays’… At first I thought they were trying to be clever, but after thinking about it for a good 5 seconds, I realized they just can’t spell. Happy 2014 from Beijing!!

Reminded me of Indiana Jones for some reason

New Year’s Eve tomorrow and South Korea in a week

Happy to be leaving Beijing, if only for a couple days. Here’s a picture of one of my students to brighten your day

“What’s a Rudolph?”