Chinese takeout: dumplings, whole fried fish, and garlic bread

The first of its kind

As the sun shines and begins to set on Beijing, I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas Eve

My private class student had a birthday and guess who got invited?

It was held in a big room at a KTV and the spread was unbelievable for a karaoke joint. Fried shrimp with peppers and celery, fried rice with octopus, dumplings, 3 different kinds of cakes, smoked jellyfish, steak and mushrooms, hot pot style chicken and of course, ice cream.

Despite the fact that it was 10 moms and 12 kids, it was a surprisingly fun time. Bought the birthday boy a Lego tank set because “Fury is soooooo cool”

My boy Mao

Though formally known as Chairman, he had an abundance of styles that I think truly reflected the inner Mao Zedong

This is an alley in Beijing's Hutongs

Although dark and a bit dirty, there are public bathrooms everywhere and lots of cool hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars

Despite the cold winter weather of December in Beijing, 7am is perfect for biking

Although boldly stated that Christmas is not observed or celebrated in China, there seems to be a lot of evidence to the contrary

Where should we go for dinner?

It’s a Sunday night and after agreeing to dinner with friends, you meet and begin pondering the age old question, “Where do you want to go?” Someone will mention pizza, as they always do, which is met with mumbles and someone is quick to ask “What else?” And so it goes until a mutually agreeable option is laid on the table and in Beijing, it’s usually “Chuan”. Cheap barbecued meat, cold beer, and some rice & vegetable dishes to suit those uninterested in grilled animal flesh. Someone always knows “The best” Chuan place and you take it on faith as you walk to the restaurant.

You are welcomed at the door and led to your table past a myriad of people as the smell of bbq and cigarettes teases your nostrils. The fúwùyuán (服务员） hands you a menu and stares at you while you ponder over its twenty pages, thankful that it has pictures. You have an urgency to tell the fúwùyuán to give you some time but it’s China, staring and waiting is custom. So you order. “Chicken wings, kimchi wrapped pork loin, sweet bbq pork, a banana, some part of a cow, a seasoned bun (mán tòu), fried rice with beef, spicy radishes in vinegar, grilled mushrooms, three cold beers, and lamb” the question in the back of everyone’s mind is “Will that be enough?”

Each person has their own mini-plate while the shish-kabob style Chuan is placed on a central community plate. Some Chuan has bone but don’t worry, when you’re finished you can just toss it on the table somewhere. This is China. As dinner wares on and the lingering spices continue to tease your tastebuds, you remember how goddamn tasty Chuan is. You’re also thankful that your friend didn’t take you to a place on the side of a road where the cook doesn’t know the difference between a rat and a chicken. So if ever in doubt as to what sounds good on a cold night in Beijing, go for Chuan, it’s almost better than pizza.

The lights are up and Christmas in China is well underway

2nd trip to Ikea + Dinner

Messaged my friend that it was busy and she said, “Duh everyone furniture shops on monday at 2 o'clock”. I should have remembered this widely known fact before heading out for some DIY Swedish furniture

Thanksgiving at work

They designated me to cut the turkey and gave me a butter knife and a plastic fork. It took awhile to carve it up..

Winter Smog in Beijing, China

This is the result of all the heating being turned on in the buildings for winter, among other factors. If I remember correctly, it kicked on in October and will stay on until around March.

Like they can hide the fact that it looks like the opening scene from Sleepy Hollow outside…

Shoutout to Q-Mex in Beijing for half off burrito Monday

Haven’t had Mexican food this good since the taco truck days in Yaktown #travywavy #fiestafoods

Seems like a weird slogan for a pizza place, but who am I to judge?

Reminds me of those roly poly bugs that curl up when you touch them

Basically a fancy chicken noodle soup, although the chicken came on the side

Maybe a flying fat Chinese girl?

Kobe Bryant & Steve Jobs Wax Figure

There were so many people visiting the exhibit I couldn’t get a clear shot. So enjoy Kobe and Jobs with some of their fans