tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55816477048520616402024-03-13T13:15:05.443+00:00Francoise's MiscellanyBlog migrated to http://francoisesmiscellany.wordpress.com in Sept 2010 - Please visit to view new content.Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-41896577588900942712010-09-23T11:40:00.000+01:002010-09-23T11:40:40.125+01:00Site Relocation!Francoise's Miscellany is moving and undergoing a few changes!<br />
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1. All of the site content, exclusive of Sunday Roasts, is now on the new site at <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.wordpress.com/">http://francoisesmiscellany.wordpress.com</a>/<br />
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2. The Quest for Sunday Roast thread now has its own site, <a href="http://questforasundayroast.com/">Quest for a Sunday Roast</a><br />
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<u>Why the change?</u><br />
I've been meaning to let the Quest have its own site for a while, as it would make having multiple authors much easier, and my increasing frustration with layout configuration on my current template finally prompted me to move the site.<br />
I'll leave this site up, but I won't be adding new content here.Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-80920181428247194832010-08-01T23:13:00.017+01:002010-08-02T22:09:38.814+01:00The Gun, Docklands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcivRR3laI/AAAAAAAABZE/mwCpWe3jdw8/s1600/2010-0801-gun-ext.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcivRR3laI/AAAAAAAABZE/mwCpWe3jdw8/s320/2010-0801-gun-ext.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This Sunday, we headed East to Dockland's highly recommended, <a href="http://www.thegundocklands.com/">The Gun</a>. This waterfront pub is located on a quiet and very cute little side street and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. It's also more in Vera and Roland's neighborhood than anyone else's. <br />
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Their <a href="http://www.thegundocklands.com/index.php/food-drink/sunday-lunch/19">Sunday Lunch menu</a> is available online. <br />
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Joining us on the <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">Quest </a>today are Vera, Roland, Andy, Oscar, Darren, and Lev, who was having his Quest debut.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dishes Ordered:</span><br />
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<b>Starters</b>: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcmXIZu2EI/AAAAAAAABZI/huWt_5nW5EQ/s1600/2010-0801-gun-mackerel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcmXIZu2EI/AAAAAAAABZI/huWt_5nW5EQ/s200/2010-0801-gun-mackerel.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast Cornish mackerel, green and yellow courgette,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> confit balsamic tomato </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Shared: Vera & Roland) </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcn0s2dUNI/AAAAAAAABZM/F8ipNtSUMxo/s1600/2010-0801-gun-salad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcn0s2dUNI/AAAAAAAABZM/F8ipNtSUMxo/s200/2010-0801-gun-salad.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><i><br />
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<i> </i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Heritage tomato, shallot and Jersey Royal potato salad,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> goat's cheese beignets</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Oscar) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcoUMItTMI/AAAAAAAABZQ/ksuA25f1K0w/s1600/2010-0801-gun-terrine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcoUMItTMI/AAAAAAAABZQ/ksuA25f1K0w/s200/2010-0801-gun-terrine.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Smoked duck, pork & white pudding terrine, fig chutney </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and toasted sourdough</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Andy, Shared: Darren and Franc) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcp0rQL2iI/AAAAAAAABZU/OMA1IAbVWUA/s1600/2010-0810-gun-shrimp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcp0rQL2iI/AAAAAAAABZU/OMA1IAbVWUA/s200/2010-0810-gun-shrimp.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Half pint o’ prawns with mayonnaise </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Lev)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcqHqjKsKI/AAAAAAAABZY/J5ld79_m03M/s1600/2010-0801-gun-fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcqHqjKsKI/AAAAAAAABZY/J5ld79_m03M/s200/2010-0801-gun-fish.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><b>Entrees:</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fillet of sea trout, leek fondue, fresh peas and girolles</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Vera, Franc)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcqi1fnZtI/AAAAAAAABZc/1pDspMxtRiE/s1600/2010-0801-fun-pork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcqi1fnZtI/AAAAAAAABZc/1pDspMxtRiE/s200/2010-0801-fun-pork.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast belly of Kilvarock Farm pork, Yorkshire pudding,</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> roast potatoes, glazed carrots, green beans, homemade </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>apple purée and pork gravy </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Darren, Andy) </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcrA_aSa0I/AAAAAAAABZg/MTvMWVDs8DY/s1600/2010-0801-gun-beef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcrA_aSa0I/AAAAAAAABZg/MTvMWVDs8DY/s200/2010-0801-gun-beef.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, fresh horseradish, roast </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>potatoes, honey glazed carrots, green beans and red wine gravy</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Oscar, Lev, Roland) </div><br />
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<b>Desserts: </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcsikj1_II/AAAAAAAABZk/fM2loDeDV8o/s1600/201008-gun-strawb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcsikj1_II/AAAAAAAABZk/fM2loDeDV8o/s200/201008-gun-strawb.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Marinated strawberries, truffle honey </i><br />
<i>and yoghurt ice cream</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Lev)</span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctE21KJhI/AAAAAAAABZs/iQrUCSwzxBk/s1600/20100801-gun-cterrine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctE21KJhI/AAAAAAAABZs/iQrUCSwzxBk/s200/20100801-gun-cterrine.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Dark and white chocolate terrine, cherry compôte</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Andy, Shared: Vera and Roland) </div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctV7hGe5I/AAAAAAAABZw/mU_2eahuUZA/s1600/20100801-gun-meringue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctV7hGe5I/AAAAAAAABZw/mU_2eahuUZA/s200/20100801-gun-meringue.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Meringue nest, passion fruit and mixed berries</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Franc, Shared: Oscar and Darren)<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctuKd1hcI/AAAAAAAABZ0/zwMUHQvBeCY/s1600/20100801-gun-cheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFctuKd1hcI/AAAAAAAABZ0/zwMUHQvBeCY/s200/20100801-gun-cheese.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cheese: </i>(Shared: Darren and Oscar)</div><ul><li><i>St Maure de Touraine, France(soft, goat’s milk, unpasteurised)</i></li>
<li><i>Gubbeen, Ireland (washed rind, semi-soft, cow’s milk, pasteurised)</i></li>
<li><i>Caerphilly Gorwydd, Lampeter, Wales (semi-hard, cow’s milk, unpasteurised)</i></li>
<li><i>Brezain, France (semi-soft, cow’s milk, unpasteurised)</i></li>
<li><i>Cashel Blue, Ireland (blue, cow’s milk, pasteurised)</i></li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Observations: (collective and individual)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcveohA27I/AAAAAAAABZ4/tE3YmshTznc/s1600/20100801-gin-int.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFcveohA27I/AAAAAAAABZ4/tE3YmshTznc/s320/20100801-gin-int.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't make eye contact w. the locals.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><ul><li>The service was attentive (Franc)</li>
<li>The starter (salad) was okay, but it would have been better with warm potatoes. (Oscar)</li>
<li>The beef could have been a little more tender. I wish I had ordered the pork, it was awesome. (Oscar)</li>
<li>The pork was amazing, juicy and succulent. The Yorkshire pudding was bland and cardboardy. (Andy)</li>
<li>Roast Beef was very good, and the roast potatoes are (almost!) to die for. (Lev)</li>
<li>Struggled to choose a dessert, and the marinated strawberries I went for turned out to be surprisingly tasty and unusual.</li>
<li>Great place, convenient location (Roland)</li>
<li>Great place, inconvenient location (Nearly the rest of us)</li>
<li>The fish was quite nice and the roast beef was tender and delicious (Vera) </li>
<li>Nice atmosphere with a lovely terrace and Thames view (Lev)</li>
<li>The scoring makes this pub in a tie with our other highest rated pubs.</li>
</ul><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">On to the scores:</span> (awarded on these <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">guidelines</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFXVboOubwI/AAAAAAAABZA/vg327zkhZfk/s1600/2010-0801-thegun-scores.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TFXVboOubwI/AAAAAAAABZA/vg327zkhZfk/s640/2010-0801-thegun-scores.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Updated Map of Eats:</span><br />
*note: All Pubs visited including today's are noted with their scores in parentheses (see blog's sidebar map or enlarge this one for all pubs) <br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.505697,-0.021715&spn=0.018698,0.053644&z=14&output=embed" width="625"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.505697,-0.021715&spn=0.018698,0.053644&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">The Quest for the Best Sunday Roast</a> in a larger map</small>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5001524 -0.126236251.473436899999996 -0.1846012 51.5268679 -0.067871199999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-53533775942910250122010-07-11T20:00:00.009+01:002010-07-16T22:31:56.311+01:00Bacchus Pub and Kitchen, Hoxton<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDCRuZ2bFI/AAAAAAAABYY/RMEZbbQZpa0/s1600/2010-0711-bacchus-ext.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDCRuZ2bFI/AAAAAAAABYY/RMEZbbQZpa0/s320/2010-0711-bacchus-ext.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacchus Pub and Kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a few weeks off with a <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2010/06/norwich-uk-collecting-kitten.html">kitten</a> and a<a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2010/06/hk-china-2010-hk-game-plan.html"> trip to Asia</a>, we picked up the Quest again at Hoxton's <a href="http://www.bacchuspubandkitchen.com/">Bacchus</a>. Darren found this place with the help of our good friend, Google. <br />
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Joining us on the <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">Quest </a>today are Oscar and Darren.<br />
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After walking in the <i>London Heatwave</i>, we were very happy to arrive at this venue and enjoy its gentle air conditioning. The <a href="http://www.bacchuspubandkitchen.com/sunday-roasts.html">Roasts </a>looked great.<br />
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We quickly settled in and reviewed the menu.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dishes Ordered:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDDsvXMyYI/AAAAAAAABYg/YpOqen9MB1E/s1600/2010-0711-bacchus-peapods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDDsvXMyYI/AAAAAAAABYg/YpOqen9MB1E/s200/2010-0711-bacchus-peapods.JPG" width="200" /></a><i> Pan Fried Peapods with Garlic and Chili </i></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDECTVqiXI/AAAAAAAABYk/05_EnnKCU8M/s1600/2010-0711-fish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDECTVqiXI/AAAAAAAABYk/05_EnnKCU8M/s200/2010-0711-fish.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Whole Butterflied Sea Bass with Herb Butter, Sauteed New Potatoes, Samphire Caper and Parsley Dressing</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Franc)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDFApr1GPI/AAAAAAAABYo/dfkho__ZV10/s1600/2010-0711+fishy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDFApr1GPI/AAAAAAAABYo/dfkho__ZV10/s200/2010-0711+fishy.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>12 Hour Roasted Hereford Sirloin , Goose Fat Roast Potatoes, Broccoli, Yorkshire, Peas and Leeks, Stuffing and Gravy</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Oscar, Darren)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDG6brtFDI/AAAAAAAABYs/kCaFwd2Uy8Q/s1600/2010-0711-bacchus-+stp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDG6brtFDI/AAAAAAAABYs/kCaFwd2Uy8Q/s200/2010-0711-bacchus-+stp.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sticky Toffee Pudding with Creme Anglaise</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Franc)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDHRYaHHUI/AAAAAAAABYw/oRmLrKllq0c/s1600/2010-0711-crumble.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDHRYaHHUI/AAAAAAAABYw/oRmLrKllq0c/s200/2010-0711-crumble.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Apple and Summer Berry Crumble with Vanilla cream</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Darren)<i> </i></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDHcogA24I/AAAAAAAABY0/TQnP1NMs5BA/s1600/2010-0711-choc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDHcogA24I/AAAAAAAABY0/TQnP1NMs5BA/s200/2010-0711-choc.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Chocolate Fondant, Bitter Chocolate Ice Cream</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Oscar)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Observations: (collective and individual)</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDKKtU6YDI/AAAAAAAABY4/L4OQVimNgu4/s1600/2010-0711-bacchus-int.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDKKtU6YDI/AAAAAAAABY4/L4OQVimNgu4/s320/2010-0711-bacchus-int.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a quiet corner between tables</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>*Note: This was a bit of a lazy day- had we not liked this pub so much, we might not have bothered scoring. </i><i> </i><br />
<ul><li>The Staff was really enthusiastic about the food, and our waitress took very good care of us. (Franc)</li>
<li>The Starter was great, the dessert was great, the beef was a little stringier that I'd have liked (Oscar)</li>
<li>My first bite of beef nearly put me off (the stringy bit), but the rest of the meal made up for it. (Darren)</li>
<li>The fish was nicely seasoned and well filleted. (Franc)</li>
<li>The Sticky Toffee Pudding was a perfectly sized portion. (Franc)</li>
<li>The music was a bit loud, and our request that it be turned down a bit was graciously accommodated. (Darren)</li>
<li>They even found some Leffe for Oscar!</li>
<li>I got everything I asked for, delivered by cute waitresses! (Oscar)</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">On to the scores:</span> (awarded on these <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">guidelines</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDMHVv_wYI/AAAAAAAABY8/Mtl1Z1FKOrM/s1600/2010-0711-bacchus.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TEDMHVv_wYI/AAAAAAAABY8/Mtl1Z1FKOrM/s640/2010-0711-bacchus.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Updated Map of Eats:</span><br />
*note: All Pubs visited including today's are noted with their scores in parentheses (view larger or blog's sidebar map for all pubs)<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.53104,-0.084887&spn=0.009344,0.026822&z=15&output=embed" width="625"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.53104,-0.084887&spn=0.009344,0.026822&z=15&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">The Quest for the Best Sunday Roast</a> in a larger map</small>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Westminster, London, UK51.5001524 -0.126236251.473436899999996 -0.1846012 51.5268679 -0.067871199999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-51343352586045492072010-06-30T21:57:00.005+01:002010-07-16T21:22:18.855+01:00HK&C: Engrish RoundupBecause everyone loves Engrish... a few highlights (click to enlarge, if you wish)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjZflghiI/AAAAAAAABX8/X5sdGHw29_0/s1600/2010-0629-she.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjZflghiI/AAAAAAAABX8/X5sdGHw29_0/s320/2010-0629-she.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It all started with Kiely's Saline:<br />
"SHE: Shining Health Eyes"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjznDdUjI/AAAAAAAABYU/bwVNtQwctoE/s1600/2010-0629-hanma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjznDdUjI/AAAAAAAABYU/bwVNtQwctoE/s400/2010-0629-hanma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albright's Scooter - Hummer? or Hanma!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJHgtfBjvI/AAAAAAAABXQ/RkzJxV_hCtA/s1600/2010-0630-er2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJHgtfBjvI/AAAAAAAABXQ/RkzJxV_hCtA/s400/2010-0630-er2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have the rich commodity - in a Yongzhou supermarket</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz95fwHmlI/AAAAAAAABV0/O-4ulHI5dbg/s1600/2010-0629-er1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz95fwHmlI/AAAAAAAABV0/O-4ulHI5dbg/s400/2010-0629-er1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Choiceness Raw Material Produced Meticulous"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDYzi1LwelI/AAAAAAAABXY/7D0uQPWN5Yc/s1600/2010-0630-wheatsmell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDYzi1LwelI/AAAAAAAABXY/7D0uQPWN5Yc/s400/2010-0630-wheatsmell.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheat Smell Breakfast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDirfxIIIuI/AAAAAAAABXg/JQe2TZnqxpM/s1600/2010-0630-forbiddenac2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDirfxIIIuI/AAAAAAAABXg/JQe2TZnqxpM/s400/2010-0630-forbiddenac2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Forbidden City, you must treat the AC with respect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDir4msaJKI/AAAAAAAABXk/RUKIRE0tweA/s1600/2010-0630-geart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDir4msaJKI/AAAAAAAABXk/RUKIRE0tweA/s400/2010-0630-geart2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit the Geart Wall!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDisv9TS8LI/AAAAAAAABXo/vqq8S576gf4/s1600/2010-0630-wall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDisv9TS8LI/AAAAAAAABXo/vqq8S576gf4/s400/2010-0630-wall1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Wall has many rules...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDis5GD3LQI/AAAAAAAABXs/mwWXkSlfJ5I/s1600/2010-0630-wall22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDis5GD3LQI/AAAAAAAABXs/mwWXkSlfJ5I/s400/2010-0630-wall22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safty Concerns galore at the Great Wall's Sliding Car</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDis77Lz4uI/AAAAAAAABXw/7e_LbW7pu-8/s1600/2010-0630-lama2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDis77Lz4uI/AAAAAAAABXw/7e_LbW7pu-8/s400/2010-0630-lama2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Lama Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDosiBcGE-I/AAAAAAAABX0/LM_8_36Bcnc/s1600/photo%286%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDosiBcGE-I/AAAAAAAABX0/LM_8_36Bcnc/s400/photo%286%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fire Fighting Self Saving Breather in the hotel...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDoskSwZetI/AAAAAAAABX4/lFF-3GCvrBU/s1600/photo%287%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDoskSwZetI/AAAAAAAABX4/lFF-3GCvrBU/s400/photo%287%29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the breather... I Like #4</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzwiiEJ0SI/AAAAAAAABVk/GdSH75Fnf6A/s1600/2010-0623-taiwanbadmeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzwiiEJ0SI/AAAAAAAABVk/GdSH75Fnf6A/s400/2010-0623-taiwanbadmeat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taiwan's Bad Side Meat at the Forbidden City. (Translated it is "minced")</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjvbP3e0I/AAAAAAAABYM/n4ISLJOrxpU/s1600/2010-0629-er-seabourse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjvbP3e0I/AAAAAAAABYM/n4ISLJOrxpU/s400/2010-0629-er-seabourse.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favorite, the closeup is below...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjw5qjpII/AAAAAAAABYQ/9yCeapumeA0/s1600/2010-0629-seabourse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjw5qjpII/AAAAAAAABYQ/9yCeapumeA0/s1600/2010-0629-seabourse2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjw5qjpII/AAAAAAAABYQ/9yCeapumeA0/s400/2010-0629-seabourse2.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liquor... Gecko...SEABOURSE?!?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjizsYtvI/AAAAAAAABYE/Rwh7Obj9p0E/s1600/2010-0629-er3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjizsYtvI/AAAAAAAABYE/Rwh7Obj9p0E/s400/2010-0629-er3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjdy_rAsI/AAAAAAAABYA/kkjm2AkNINs/s1600/2010-0629-er2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TECjdy_rAsI/AAAAAAAABYA/kkjm2AkNINs/s400/2010-0629-er2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit more clear... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-67073431857662081222010-06-27T22:00:00.001+01:002010-07-05T21:55:20.727+01:00HK&C: Day 11: Beijing: The Temple of Heaven and 798<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJDG5JU8SI/AAAAAAAABXE/LDLP55xyjQA/s1600/2010-0627-me-toh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJDG5JU8SI/AAAAAAAABXE/LDLP55xyjQA/s320/2010-0627-me-toh.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple of Heaven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our last full day in Beijing came so quickly!<br />
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We started the day off at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Heaven">The Temple of Heaven</a>, where we ate more popsicles and saw not only the main attraction but the three temples and the circular mound.<br />
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Right about then is when the camera battery died. It figures that I carried 3 backup batteries for my dSLR for the whole trip and didn't have a single one for the point and shoot. It also figures that I decided not to carry the dSLR out of laziness. Oops.<br />
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We then headed to North Chaoyang to check out <a href="http://www.798space.com/index_en.asp">798</a> and have some lunch. 798 is an art space, the first section of which was built inside a former factory space. Now the complex consists of many buildings housing galleries and restaurants, including a tasty Cantonese venue. We took a few pictures on Kiely's phone, and I'll post them someday when I have them. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJEsxNAJSI/AAAAAAAABXI/AuK-dNhPEQY/s1600/photo%284%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJEsxNAJSI/AAAAAAAABXI/AuK-dNhPEQY/s200/photo%284%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The End-- Me: 80, Kiely: 99</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We headed back to the hotel for a bit of a break after visiting 798, as Kiely was feeling a bit under the weather. In retrospect, we now think it was just the pollution finally getting to him. In general, we were a bit tired from so much sightseeing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJE5GGyQAI/AAAAAAAABXM/uz4jTqLGjc4/s1600/photo%285%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDJE5GGyQAI/AAAAAAAABXM/uz4jTqLGjc4/s200/photo%285%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dinosaur is Inconsolable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We rested and relaxed. We caved in and played <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzle_Bobble">Bust a Move</a>, continuing the mighty battle started in Yongzhou. <br />
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Sadly, I lost. We probably would have played more, but the game stopped incrementing Kiely's won matches once he reached 99.<br />
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More sadly, we watched England lose to Germany before calling it a night. Even my Bust a Move Dinosaur cried... but that may have been due to my own 19 game loss.Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-50117185809678393762010-06-26T22:00:00.008+01:002010-07-04T21:20:59.493+01:00HK&C: Day 10: Beijing: Towers, Temples, Tiananmen<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCA3jnvK6I/AAAAAAAABWU/hHUvR4S6ilE/s1600/2010-0626-hutongs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCA3jnvK6I/AAAAAAAABWU/hHUvR4S6ilE/s320/2010-0626-hutongs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely is the tallest person in this Hutong.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Today we had a decadent sleep in until nearly nine before kicking of another day in<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongcheng_District,_Beijing"> Dongcheng</a> to visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulou_and_Zhonglou_%28Beijing%29">Bell Tower and Drum Tower</a> plus the local <a href="http://www.chinavista.com/experience/hutong/hutong.html">Hutongs</a>, which are neighborhoods of narrow alleys. These neighborhoods are less common, as many have been demolished to allow for new construction.. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCBEz7TMUI/AAAAAAAABWY/YMre42gs0N4/s1600/2010-0626-belltower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCBEz7TMUI/AAAAAAAABWY/YMre42gs0N4/s200/2010-0626-belltower.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bell Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Bell Tower and Drum Tower both functioned as timekeepers, and according to Wikipedia, these towers functioned as the official time piece of China and the Government until 1924, when the last emperor left the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianning_Temple_%28Beijing%29">Forbidden City</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCBP9f0XeI/AAAAAAAABWc/3GFgItBBuSM/s1600/2010-0626-drums.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCBP9f0XeI/AAAAAAAABWc/3GFgItBBuSM/s200/2010-0626-drums.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Drums of the Drum Tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Both towers include a steep set of stairs and nice, breezy views of the city. Neither tower's tourist information indicates how they actually got that 63 ton bell up there, but I'd be keen to know. It remains the largest ancient bell in China.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCCPk5NwEI/AAAAAAAABWg/-esG8p6yyaU/s1600/2010-0626-lamatemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDCCPk5NwEI/AAAAAAAABWg/-esG8p6yyaU/s200/2010-0626-lamatemple.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Lama Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After wrapping up, we decided to visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonghe_Temple">Lama Temple</a>, a few kilometers walk away. This former monastery is one of the most popular temples for worship in Beijing. The Temple grounds are large, and there are a number of different temples for different purposes. We picked up the Audio Guide, but found it not particularly helpful, as we didn't listen carefully at the beginning and ended up disoriented. I think we were just suffering from audio guide overdose. The Temple's Garden's were an excellent spot to relax and people watch. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After a quick lunch right near the Lama Temple, we headed back to our hotel as I had a massage scheduled. Woe is me. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDgco1WBLI/AAAAAAAABWk/RHNArP6Quxk/s1600/2010-0626-tianning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDgco1WBLI/AAAAAAAABWk/RHNArP6Quxk/s200/2010-0626-tianning.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely at the Tianning Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table>All stretched out, we headed over to a temple near our hotel called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianning_Temple_%28Beijing%29">Tianning Temple</a>, which Kiely had spotted from our window. This 12th century structure is completely solid, and has no stairwells inside. We learned that it is open only two days a month, based on the lunar calendar date. The date we visited was not one of those days. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Then we hopped in another taxi to head to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiananmen_Square">Tiananmen Square</a>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDikvVJQNI/AAAAAAAABWs/v_lmhALuYFQ/s1600/2010-0626-falg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDikvVJQNI/AAAAAAAABWs/v_lmhALuYFQ/s200/2010-0626-falg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely's height was key in taking this</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>En route, we had yet another interesting taxi ride. We've seen a number of near accidents, but today's was by far the worst, in which we nearly struck a cyclist who was playing a bit of frogger across the ten lane highway. Despite being trapped in our lane, our driver did not brake until it was absolutely necessary- I had already worked through my entire catalog of expletives by the time he stopped.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDikvVJQNI/AAAAAAAABWs/v_lmhALuYFQ/s1600/2010-0626-falg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>We arrived at Tiananmen Square in time to see the<a href="http://www.funtouristattractions.com/a/tiananmen-square-flag-raising-lowering-beijing-china/17"> lowering of the flag</a>. This is of interest because of the ceremony, which happens daily at sunset, is timed such that the flag is carried under Tiananmen gate at the same time the sun sets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDikvVJQNI/AAAAAAAABWs/v_lmhALuYFQ/s1600/2010-0626-falg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDj-LusfJI/AAAAAAAABWw/UdtnhtK1CCk/s1600/2010-0626-mao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDj-LusfJI/AAAAAAAABWw/UdtnhtK1CCk/s320/2010-0626-mao.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDhzorf6FI/AAAAAAAABWo/S0bSdZRNLqU/s1600/2010-0626-me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDhzorf6FI/AAAAAAAABWo/S0bSdZRNLqU/s200/2010-0626-me.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Video Art!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>There was also an interesting video art installation, but no explanation as to what was for or for how long it would be set up.<br />
The square was full of people, many of whom didn't seem to be tourists, as they lacked cameras and other easy indicators of tourism. It seems many Chinese travel in tour groups exclusively, so perhaps these were locals enjoying the weather... under lots of surveillance. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDodB3VMGI/AAAAAAAABW8/qbl_BBUYlEU/s1600/2010-0626-gps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
From Tiannamen, we went in search of the temple or museum we could not find and ultimately hopped in anther taxi to head to<a href="http://en.beijing2008.cn/spectators/beijing/restaurant/list/n214258143.shtml"> Gui Jie'</a>s (<i>Ghost Street's</i>) <a href="http://www.bestfoodinchina.net/node/240">Hua Jia Yi Yuan</a> for dinner.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDn2u5CX8I/AAAAAAAABW0/p_ca5xtB0WY/s1600/2010-0626-dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDn2u5CX8I/AAAAAAAABW0/p_ca5xtB0WY/s320/2010-0626-dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another delicious duck on Gui Jie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We found this venue in our guidebook, and we really enjoyed the food, opting for more <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_Duck">Beijing Duck</a>, a cabbage dish, and these meat rolls. Throughout the trip, the dish was referred to as Beijing Duck, but googling around, it is still often referred to as Peking duck. I don't know if it matters which name you use- if you know, please comment and tell me. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDoOGu_FtI/AAAAAAAABW4/1FnQuV4gyw4/s1600/2010-0626-duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDodB3VMGI/AAAAAAAABW8/qbl_BBUYlEU/s1600/2010-0626-gps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDodB3VMGI/AAAAAAAABW8/qbl_BBUYlEU/s200/2010-0626-gps.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are a monster truck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: right;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDoOGu_FtI/AAAAAAAABW4/1FnQuV4gyw4/s1600/2010-0626-duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDoOGu_FtI/AAAAAAAABW4/1FnQuV4gyw4/s200/2010-0626-duck.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Our next stop was the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donghuamen_Night_Market"> Donghuamen Night Market</a>. The few kilometers walk was a welcome one, as we were chock full of duck. Kiely's GPS was of great help in getting us from point A to point B. <br />
<br />
We even passed <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/beijing/A30260.html">St. Joseph's Cathedral</a> (Dong Tang), a beautiful Gothic structure built in 1655. I managed to snap a picture before they turned all the lights off at 23:00.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDot1uMpjI/AAAAAAAABXA/AYe_uxvzNrI/s1600/2010-0626-cathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TDDot1uMpjI/AAAAAAAABXA/AYe_uxvzNrI/s320/2010-0626-cathedral.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Joseph's at Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As for the Market, Unfortunately, I misread the guidebook, believing the market closed at 2330 when it actually closed at 2230.<br />
<br />
The cab drivers milling around tried to convince us that they had to charge a much higher rate after hours, offering to take us home for 150-200 RMB, but we weren't buying it. (The guide book stated that there's a 20% surcharge after 23:00) A few blocks later, we picked up a taxi home for 18RMB and promptly crashed. </div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-45814032089980077392010-06-25T22:00:00.004+01:002010-07-03T17:14:30.198+01:00HK&C: Day 9: Beijing: The Great Wall and Beijing Duck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HSkUZKTI/AAAAAAAABV8/OyfHwwIqyVQ/s1600/2010-0624-denied.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HSkUZKTI/AAAAAAAABV8/OyfHwwIqyVQ/s200/2010-0624-denied.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many 919s<br />
to deny us that morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We started the day quite early with a 0545 wake-up to ensure we arrived at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China">Great Wall</a> before the raging hordes. Sadly, we weren't quick enough!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HW3rOA-I/AAAAAAAABWA/4qCR_zGdY10/s1600/2010-06624-919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HW3rOA-I/AAAAAAAABWA/4qCR_zGdY10/s200/2010-06624-919.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 919 that delivered!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We took a taxi from our hotel to the Deshengmenxi bus stop, from which we had been advised to take the <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/news/show.asp?nid=1233">919 bus</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badaling">Badaling</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, I know, sane people in a country where they find themselves illiterate opt to take an organized tour.<br />
We are not sane people. <br />
<br />
Also, The 919 bus is a bit of an enigma.<br />
<br />
The first few 919 buses we found refused us and told us to walk further down. After much walking , we found yet another queue of 919 buses, joined it and were able to board. En route, we saw a number of 919 buses that didn't seem to be following the same route as us. Could they all be going to the Great Wall? Seemingly, no.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HhrvzlrI/AAAAAAAABWE/y5LlK2Ob9Wo/s1600/2010-0624-wallmasses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HhrvzlrI/AAAAAAAABWE/y5LlK2Ob9Wo/s320/2010-0624-wallmasses.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next time, Kiely will wear a flag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We arrived by 10 in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badaling">Badaling</a>, which is the easiest place to visit the wall from Beijing. The alterative is 3 hours further away, but has the benefit of fewer visitors.<br />
<br />
I experienced the Great Bathroom (not good, really!) and after acquiring the Great Audio Guide, we began our trek up the the wall, Northbound. <br />
<br />
Something I never really noticed about the great Wall in pictures is how incredibly steep it is. It is at points so steep that walking up seems so much easier than walking down. We followed the Wall until we could walk no further, as while the Wall might be thousands of miles, the whole thing isn't opened to tourists.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HlO4PcOI/AAAAAAAABWI/lX3AzUsHQ_g/s1600/2010-0624-wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9HlO4PcOI/AAAAAAAABWI/lX3AzUsHQ_g/s400/2010-0624-wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What we came to see. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After leaving the wall and returning the audio guide, we went to the Great Museum, which was pretty good.<br />
<br />
The Museum covered exhibits about the Wall's history, conservation, and famous visitors. Another key thing about the museum was it's downright excellent bathroom. If you find yourself at the Great Wall, this is the bathroom to hold out for. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9Hob8yoSI/AAAAAAAABWM/hRgGTUvFjiw/s1600/2010-0624-usatgw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9Hob8yoSI/AAAAAAAABWM/hRgGTUvFjiw/s320/2010-0624-usatgw.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Great Photo Op.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We found the 919 bus again, boarded and headed back. The journey seemingly took forever.<br />
<br />
Beijing has massive roadways that seem to always be full of traffic. Increasingly, I think there are two reasons for this:<br />
1. There are lots of cars<br />
2. The drivers don't use their directionals at all and frequently change lanes, often two lanes in a single move. I started to really pay attention to the taxi divers, and I found that most never signaled. We even had one who only signaled when entering a lane to the right and never signaled when entering the lane to left.<br />
<br />
This lead us to establish <b>China Rule #5: Wear Your Seat Belt. </b><br />
<br />
We returned at 4, hungry as can be, and had a snack to make up for missed lunch.We also stopped by the local supermarketmarket on a search for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake">moon cakes </a>and bottled water. As we waited in line, I couldn't help but laugh at Kiely protecting our place in the queue. Thing is, it is completely necessary. I had people walk right past me and start tugging on stall doors of clearly occupied loos as I waited in bathrooms. In the market in Yongzhou, I had to really make an effort to stay behind Kiely in the checkout line, even though I had nothing to purchase and we were obviously together. Kiely said that queue jumping is very common. <br />
<br />
<b>China Rule #6: Don't queue, and if you do, be prepared to be the only one. </b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9Hri--RGI/AAAAAAAABWQ/vGL9LMgdkFQ/s1600/2010-0624-dinnerwsands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TC9Hri--RGI/AAAAAAAABWQ/vGL9LMgdkFQ/s320/2010-0624-dinnerwsands.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely, Ben, Maria, and the Beijing Duck at Xiao Wang Fu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In the evening, we headed out again to meet Neil's friends, Maria and Ben for Peking Duck at a place called <a href="http://imqq.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/listings/dining/contemporary/has/xiao-wang-fu1/">Xiao Wang Fu</a> right near the northern entrance to <a href="http://www.beijing-visitor.com/index.php?cID=416&pID=1113">Ritan Park</a>. <br />
<br />
We ordered way too much food, but every bit of it was wonderful. Maria and Ben were wonderful company, and gave us some excellent advice for things to see the next day.<br />
<br />
After dinner, Maria and Ben headed off to their prior commitment and we went for a walk around Ritan Park and indulged Kiely's new popsicle habit before heading back to ours.Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-46814914323947731792010-06-24T22:00:00.004+01:002010-07-03T16:29:05.636+01:00HK&C: Day 8: Beijing The Forbidden City<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCztrZsQC7I/AAAAAAAABVY/dF816t7t_mQ/s1600/2010-0623-forbiddenme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCztrZsQC7I/AAAAAAAABVY/dF816t7t_mQ/s320/2010-0623-forbiddenme.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the masses</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We kicked off our first full day in Beijing by heading to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbidden_City">Forbidden City</a> first thing with plans to spend our day checking out the Forbidden Stuffs.<br />
<br />
We picked up our Forbidden Tickets, purchased a Forbidden Audio Guide, and began our adventure after I made a quick stop at the Forbidden bathroom.<br />
<br />
The Forbidden City is amazing. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzt67JuzuI/AAAAAAAABVc/g9VqQXoGMII/s1600/2010-0623-forbidden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzt67JuzuI/AAAAAAAABVc/g9VqQXoGMII/s200/2010-0623-forbidden1.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Even the Forbidden Audio guide is pretty neat. It has a map on it, which shows you where you are, and it automatically starts talking when you get close to a specific site. Unfortunately, these aren't precisely tuned, as Kiely's often went off at least 100 feet before mine. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We started out in the gardens and winded our way through.While in the gardens, a young woman asked us to look at her University art. We went along for the heck of it, but the art was ultimately not good and the sales pitch was very pushy. We made a run for it and visited the East Palaces.<br />
<br />
By the time we arrived at the Center, the crowds of tour groups in matching hats had definitely arrived. I think the palaces on the perimeter see fewer visitors, as when we retreated, we found the crowds much more manageable in the West Palaces. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzv85nhS6I/AAAAAAAABVg/T3josWvzhB0/s1600/2010-0623-kiely9dragons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzv85nhS6I/AAAAAAAABVg/T3josWvzhB0/s320/2010-0623-kiely9dragons.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely and the Nine Dragon Screem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After facing the mighty crowds to visit the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_of_Supreme_Harmony">Hall of Supreme Harmony</a>, we headed to towards the <a href="http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/forbidden/ningshou.htm">Palace of Tranquil Longevity</a> and the Nine Dragon Screen.<br />
<br />
The Nine Dragon Screen has one wonky tile, which is made of wood. The story goes that the original tile broke when the screen was being set up, and that the workers faked another with food in fear of their lives. They managed to get away with it, but over time, the wooden piece didn't wear as the ceramic ones.<br />
There's also an impressive <a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ezine/2007-04/28/content_862553.htm">Forbidden clock collection</a> to see around the corner.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzwiiEJ0SI/AAAAAAAABVk/GdSH75Fnf6A/s1600/2010-0623-taiwanbadmeat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzwiiEJ0SI/AAAAAAAABVk/GdSH75Fnf6A/s200/2010-0623-taiwanbadmeat.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Taiwan Bad Side Meat"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After going through the clock collection, we stopped off to have some Forbidden Food. It did not disappoint.<br />
<br />
We both hoped to order the "Taiwan Bad Side Meat" (click the picture on the left to see), but the restaurant had run out and we had to settle for a delicious Beijing noodle bowl.<br />
<br />
After a failed effort to find the military exhibit, Kiely decided that it was nap o'clock, and we decided to make our exit. There's just so much to see that it's a bit of an endurance test. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzy2Uz2nXI/AAAAAAAABVo/b2svSpcm5js/s1600/2010-0623-foodog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCzy2Uz2nXI/AAAAAAAABVo/b2svSpcm5js/s200/2010-0623-foodog.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foo Dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Unfortunately, that took a lot longer than planned, as did finding a taxi. The Forbidden City is huge, and exiting it took thirty minutes. When we finally made our way out, our search for a taxi was lengthy.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz97KR1HwI/AAAAAAAABV4/Jjv8PeV7Eqo/s1600/2010-0623-ouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz97KR1HwI/AAAAAAAABV4/Jjv8PeV7Eqo/s200/2010-0623-ouch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Times were tough back then. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amidst our wanders, someone who for the purposes of this story we will call DodgyArtMan came up and advised us that a taxi rank was further down a road near the next traffic light, so we took DodgyArtMan's advice and headed further down the road. After a few blocks and a bit of chatting, the DodgyArtMan mentioned that he was an artist and asked us to come see his art. Recalling that life rule that we shouldn't go off with strangers who promise to show us a cute puppy or art, we said we weren't interested and thanked him again for the taxi advice. After another half mile or so, there was no taxi rank or intersection, but we managed to flag a taxi, regardless.<br />
<br />
Thus, we have a new China Rule to add to our list started on <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2010/06/hk-day-2-hong-kong-to-yongzhou.html">Day 2</a>:<br />
<b>China Rule #4: Do not go look at anyone's art. There probably isn't art and if there is, it likely sucks. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz1ZbNFt2I/AAAAAAAABVs/7UhTL8wO4d4/s1600/2010-0623-pizzahut0ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz1ZbNFt2I/AAAAAAAABVs/7UhTL8wO4d4/s200/2010-0623-pizzahut0ext.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese Pizza Hut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Back at the hotel, there was a bit of napping (Kiely) and swimming (Me).<br />
<br />
Then we decided to indulge in a little Western food, as Kiely hadn't had cheese in quite some time...<br />
<br />
Yes, we went to Chinese <a href="http://www.pizzahut.com.cn/phcda/index.aspx">Pizza Hut</a>. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz2dc5vGII/AAAAAAAABVw/yDakSW6tRd0/s1600/2010-0623-ph-menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCz2dc5vGII/AAAAAAAABVw/yDakSW6tRd0/s320/2010-0623-ph-menu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Menu of Delicious Cardiac Threat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Chinese Pizza Hut experience is far superior to the American one. For starters, Chinese Pizza Hut is much nicer than any American Pizza Hut I've been to. For example, Someone actually opens the door for you when you arrive. The menu contains pizza, but it also contains rice and noodle dishes. As going to a Pizza Hut in China feels criminal enough, we stuck to ordering pizza.<br />
<br />
Our pizza was called the Delicious Bacon! <br />
<br />
The food is definitely better than American Pizza Hut, and is comparable to English Pizza Hut. Given that I regard Pizza Hut (UK) as a guilty pleasure, this is a compliment.<br />
<br />
Full of Amerifood, we headed home to get ready for the<i> Great Day</i> to come. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-58100170942050389812010-06-23T22:00:00.002+01:002010-06-30T20:25:32.464+01:00HK&C: Day 8: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles to Beijing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCuYrgd9CFI/AAAAAAAABVU/rve1pdxpbHs/s1600/2010-0623-hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCuYrgd9CFI/AAAAAAAABVU/rve1pdxpbHs/s320/2010-0623-hotel.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New digs. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><b>Disclaimer:</b> Today was not a particularly interesting day. </div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Today was all about getting to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing">Beijing</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">First, we headed back to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhen">Shenzhen</a> on the MTR. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">You might be wondering why we didn't just fly from Hong Kong, and if so, the reason is that it was 80% less expensive to book tickets from Shenzhen in yuan. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">In Shenzhen, we said our goodbyes to Yuki, who was returning to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhongshan_%28state%29">Zhongshan</a>, and then took a bus to Shenzhen airport for our 1330 China Southern flight to Beijing. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This flight, too, failed to take off on time. The ticket said boarding would start at 1300, but we didn't board until 1340. There were no announcements or status changes. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This flight was completely different from my Yongzhou flight, though. Everyone followed the rules. There were no fights. Everyone quietly stayed in their seats. There was even a movie and a chicken dish which wasn't half bad. It was almost disappointing, given how my last flight showed how entertaining a flight can be!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCuYY9cYILI/AAAAAAAABVQ/XulYHxcMPZI/s1600/2010-0623-dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCuYY9cYILI/AAAAAAAABVQ/XulYHxcMPZI/s320/2010-0623-dinner.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner: Chicken and Lotus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The flight to Beijing from Shenzhen takes about three hours, and after arriving, we hopped in a cab to our new digs, the <a href="http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/BJSDTDI-Doubletree-by-Hilton-Beijing/index.do">Doubletree Beijing</a>, which should give me Gold Status with Hilton. (I admit it, I have a great love of the free upgrade.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">All checked in, we wandered out for dinner at a local spot. We taught our waitress some English, specifically how to say all of the things on our table (spoon, bowl, etc), and then we had a nice long walk around our neighborhood and went home. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Eleven hours of trekking via 2 cabs, 1 train, 1 bus, and 1 plane left us too tired for even a single game of Bust a Move! </div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Beijing, China39.904667 116.40819839.377941000000007 115.47436 40.431393 117.342036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-55583528489361788912010-06-22T22:00:00.003+01:002010-06-29T20:56:20.778+01:00HK&C: Day 7: Hong Kong Antiques and Hotpot<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpIpNbqxoI/AAAAAAAABUw/N2FHtCFWfmg/s1600/2010-0622-wetmkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpIpNbqxoI/AAAAAAAABUw/N2FHtCFWfmg/s200/2010-0622-wetmkt.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wet Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">We kicked off the day with a short wander in our neighborhood including the local wet market. Wet markets include live food, and this one had lots of fish, turtles, frogs, and so on. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">We hopped on the MTR bound for Central, where we headed towards the antiques area of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood_Road">Hollywood Road</a>. There's a mix of shops, from those that sell expensive pieces to those that sell inexpensive trinkets in baskets outside. I found a small lantern which would satisfy Darren's and my need for Christmas ornaments. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpJBiuCJ6I/AAAAAAAABU0/UT6QZaKG0IM/s1600/2010-0622-manmotemple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpJBiuCJ6I/AAAAAAAABU0/UT6QZaKG0IM/s320/2010-0622-manmotemple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuki and I at Man Mo Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">En route to antiques, we checked out the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_Mo_Temple">Man Mo Temple</a>, the interior of which is a sight. Visitors are under a canopy of incense spirals that are cone shaped, each of which is labelled with a wish. You can view pictures here, but I didn't take any at the request many posted signs.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpJ3547EpI/AAAAAAAABU4/l6o5Fja4tQM/s1600/2010-0622-greenislandlunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpJ3547EpI/AAAAAAAABU4/l6o5Fja4tQM/s200/2010-0622-greenislandlunch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could not read the menu.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Lunch time arrived, and we decided to go to one of the next three places we saw. We actually went into the first, Green Island Restaurant. I gather this was the Cantonese equivalent of a diner, and had we not had Yuki with us, we definitely would not have eaten as well as we did. The English menu offered about ten dishes, each of which was priced more highly than anything on the Cantonese menu. Yuki selected three dishes for us, and we were stuffed by the end.</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpKkA3deGI/AAAAAAAABU8/XL0xllRPnLo/s1600/2010-0622-bocview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpKkA3deGI/AAAAAAAABU8/XL0xllRPnLo/s320/2010-0622-bocview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Bank of China Observation Deck</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">After lunch, we walked back towards Central and took the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central-Mid-Levels_escalators">Mid-Level escalators</a> to the very top. Unfortunately, when we got to the top, it started to pour, so we took a bit of a beverage break before heading down the many steps. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">We then headed over to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_China_Tower">Bank of China building</a>, which has an observation deck on the 43<sup>rd</sup> floor that one may visit for free. Unfortunately, I didn't carry any identification, so Yuki and Kiely had to check it out without me.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNCIfo6qI/AAAAAAAABVA/ef7vwQpPxkA/s1600/2010-0622-dinnerspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNCIfo6qI/AAAAAAAABVA/ef7vwQpPxkA/s200/2010-0622-dinnerspot.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The HotPot Venue</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tourism mostly completed, we headed over to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsim_Sha_Tsui">Tsim Tsa Shui</a> for a quick errand at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seibu_Department_Stores">Seibu</a> before meeting Kimiko and her friend Keoh at a bar on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knutsford_Terrace">Knutsford Terrace</a> for a pre- dinner drink. There was lots more catching up, and Yuki was able to practice her Japanese a bit. Jimmy arrived around six, and after wrapping up, we headed out to a local hotpot restaurant.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNCIfo6qI/AAAAAAAABVA/ef7vwQpPxkA/s1600/2010-0622-dinnerspot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was my first Cantonese hotpot experience, and it was lots of fun. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNTN0qjyI/AAAAAAAABVE/tOGauU-y26U/s1600/2010-0622-hp-sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNTN0qjyI/AAAAAAAABVE/tOGauU-y26U/s200/2010-0622-hp-sauce.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: Sauce!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">After one orders the items to be cooked, the servers bring a massive tray of different sauces (Soy Sauce, Peanut Sauce, Coriander, Onions, etc) from which each person concocts their own bowl of personalized sauce. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNzwZef1I/AAAAAAAABVI/QHt7JHCqGko/s1600/2010-0622-hotpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpNzwZef1I/AAAAAAAABVI/QHt7JHCqGko/s200/2010-0622-hotpot.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: Cook!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next, the hotpot arrives, followed my many bowls of food to be cooked. Basically, you cook as you go, and one just ladles out what one wants to eat. I was spoiled rotten, most likely because I failed miserably at knowing what was cooked versus what needed a bit more time. I think my favorites were the spinach, the beef, and the tripe. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpODr_ZpeI/AAAAAAAABVM/JCdEcD6s3Ms/s1600/2010-0622-hp-us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCpODr_ZpeI/AAAAAAAABVM/JCdEcD6s3Ms/s320/2010-0622-hp-us.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy, Kimiko, Keoh, Yuki, Kiely and I after much hotpot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">After dinner, we all sadly parted ways. It has been so fun to see Kimiko after all these years, and I know it will not take another 19 years for us to see one another again now. </span> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yuki, Kiely, and I hopped off the MRT at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sham_Shui_Po">Sham Shui Po</a>, and were pleased to see that we had selected the same exit that we had used that morning, or so we thought. After walking fifteen minutes, we learned that we had not come out where we thought we did and had been walking the wrong way all along. Oops! If anything, it was good to have a bit more walking time, post-hotpot!</span></div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1Hong Kong22.396428 114.10949722.079002 113.642578 22.713854 114.57641600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-79243643096223851612010-06-21T22:00:00.003+01:002010-06-29T08:30:12.436+01:00HK&C: Day 6: Hong Kong and an Overnight Train<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmcWOVEceI/AAAAAAAABUY/NaVukWcdv9Q/s1600/2010-0621-sleeper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmcWOVEceI/AAAAAAAABUY/NaVukWcdv9Q/s200/2010-0621-sleeper.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of our cabin <br />
from the top bunk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our overnight train from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongzhou">Yongzhou</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shenzhen">Shenzhen</a> was delayed from 0040 to 0130, which wasn't so bad. I had never stayed in a sleeper car, and I found it excellent. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Each sleeper on our train had six bunks. Kiely booked the top bunks for us, which were a bit close to the ceiling to comfortably sit, but afforded us a spot next to our bags and plenty of privacy. I did find that this was where my theory about a skirt being far easier to travel in than pants failed a bit, as trying to climb up and down from the bunk was no easy task. The bunks themselves were very comfortable. I think I may have had my best sleep in over a week, but whether that's the train or Tylenol PM is open for debate. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmcmgk5edI/AAAAAAAABUc/BEbGl_ZGNPI/s1600/2010-0621-kielysleeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmcmgk5edI/AAAAAAAABUc/BEbGl_ZGNPI/s200/2010-0621-kielysleeps.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely was fast asleep as I faced<br />
the challenges of Surprises 1 and 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At some point in the wee hours, I decided it was time for a bathroom break. As I clambored down from my bunk, I encountered <i>Surprise number 1</i>: the person on the bottom bunk had raised the foot peg, so I had nothing to step down from. Oops.<br />
<br />
Then came <i>Surprise number 2</i>:<br />
the cabins aren't labelled on the outside, so I wasn't certain which one was mine when returning. I had counted doors en route, but when I counted back, the room I found had more shoes on the floor than I remembered seeing in mine. I opted for one door over, and with some intrepidation, climbed up to the third bunk. Much to my relief, I found it both it empty and with my stuff in the basket on the wall. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The sleep ended when the Chinese muzak started soudly piping in around 830. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmdfyEL34I/AAAAAAAABUg/uEdKB__0zWk/s1600/2010-0621-ky-mtr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmdfyEL34I/AAAAAAAABUg/uEdKB__0zWk/s320/2010-0621-ky-mtr.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yuki and Kiely at the MTR stop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The train arrived at 1115 or so, and we made our way into the station to find my brother's girlfriend, Yuki, who was joining us for the HK leg of the trip. We finally met up, headed through customs and hopped on the MRT to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowloon_Tong">Kowloon Tong</a>, from which we took a taxi to our digs for the next few days, <a href="http://www.olympicterrace.com.hk/">The Olympic Terrace Suites</a>.<br />
<br />
As budget friendly accommodations go, the Olympic Terrace was great. We had two small bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen for the equivalent of £70 a night. I never would have found this place had Darren not come across it in a <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/jan/05/hong-kong-budget-hotels">Guardian article of great budget places to stay in Hong Kong</a>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmdkLEZmNI/AAAAAAAABUk/exd_MSWLBJQ/s1600/2010-0621-orchidlunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmdkLEZmNI/AAAAAAAABUk/exd_MSWLBJQ/s200/2010-0621-orchidlunch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Thai Curry, Ever</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After dropping off luggage, we headed out for a late Thai lunch in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowloon_City">Kowloon City</a>'s Thai Corner.<br />
We picked a place called Golden Orchid from our guide book, and the food was fantastic. I think it may have been the best green curry I have ever had. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmfbAlUtEI/AAAAAAAABUo/t4FXWnJMbWo/s1600/2010-0621-nunnery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmfbAlUtEI/AAAAAAAABUo/t4FXWnJMbWo/s200/2010-0621-nunnery.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">at Chi Lin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Full of food and far from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_MTR">MRT</a>, we hopped in a cab and went to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chi_Lin_Nunnery">Chi Lin Nunnery</a>. According to the guidebook, this Buddhist temple was rebuilt in 1990, and it contains not a single nail.<br />
<br />
After wandering around a bit, we hopped on the MTR to Central where we ran a few errands before meeting my old NYC workmate, Jim, in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lan_Kwai_Fong">Lan Kwai Fong</a> for a few beers in a bar called <a href="http://gohongkong.about.com/od/hongkongbarsandclubs/ss/lankwaifongpubs_6.htm">Stormie's</a>. It was good to catch up, and much like Kimiko, Jim makes a very compelling case for moving to Hong Kong. I officially consider myself tempted. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmfhi7VkgI/AAAAAAAABUs/lRpuvsahyyg/s1600/2010-0621-lkf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCmfhi7VkgI/AAAAAAAABUs/lRpuvsahyyg/s200/2010-0621-lkf.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lan Kwai Fong</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">By the time the Portugal- North Korea game went from 0-0 to 7-0, it was time for dinner. We headed around the corner to <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hongkong/D44644.html">Tokio Joe</a> and I started to make up for all that sushi I don't have in London.<br />
<br />
The food was excellent, but I failed to take any pictures of it due to lack of battery. We headed back home around 11, ready for sleep. </div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Hong Kong22.396428 114.10949722.079002 113.642578 22.713854 114.57641600000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-39217598178598784072010-06-20T22:00:00.004+01:002010-07-03T16:54:26.195+01:00HK&C: Day 5: Rainy Yongzhou<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkITCsBUII/AAAAAAAABUI/irBTpnRxvGs/s1600/2010-0620-wontony-pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkITCsBUII/AAAAAAAABUI/irBTpnRxvGs/s200/2010-0620-wontony-pancake.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The rains fell well through the night, with the loudest thunder I've ever heard. I don't think I've ever been so startled by thunder, really. The power went out around 0130, which left little for one unable to sleep to do besides really hope the power, and the glorious air conditioning it provided,would return.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We slept late, and as such, most of the breakfast vendors had already closed up by the time we mustered out, but we secured some of the fried wonton-y things, which I learned are a specialty pancake of one of the local minorities. and some fruit and headed back home for more<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzle_Bobble"> Bust a Move</a>, having officially tapped the vein. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkH7uQy8BI/AAAAAAAABUE/Rg8n_yxrjfA/s1600/2010-0620-kiely-students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkH7uQy8BI/AAAAAAAABUE/Rg8n_yxrjfA/s320/2010-0620-kiely-students.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiely and some of his students.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A group of my brother's students and scheduled to come by to say goodbye and to give him a gift, and right on time at 1030, there was a knock at the door from a gaggle of girls. They came bearing a few extremely thoughtful gifts: a Chinese knot for good luck, some calligraphy, and a small notebook in which members of the class had each written a well-wishing note. Among my favorite notes were one where a student mentions Kiely's left handedness (students in China are required to be right handed) and another which spoke of his, “golden eyelashes”. This gave me plenty of material to tease him.<br />
<br />
A lot of my brother's best students are female. According to Kiely, a lot of his female students work harder, and many have expressed that their parents would have been happier if they were boys. It's a distressing thing to hear that any parent would be any less than thrilled to have any of these girls as their child. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj8Ft45uVI/AAAAAAAABT4/UAhcjFXmwj0/s1600/2010-0620-classroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj8Ft45uVI/AAAAAAAABT4/UAhcjFXmwj0/s200/2010-0620-classroom.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Classroom - <br />
the students are studying</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mid-day came, and we headed out for lunch again to the place of cabbage and chicken head. Today's meal of beef and potatoes, sweet and sour pork, and eggplant may have been my favorite. The sweet and sour pork was different from that which I've had to date. It was less sticky and sugary. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After lunch, my campus tour continued from the prior day, and I got to see inside of the University buildings, including my brother's classrooms. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Then, having been advised that I had truly seen it all, we headed back to Kiely's to play yet more Bust a Move. This is where the tournament begins. We played for nearly three hours. Don't worry, we can stop playing, really.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj8BjsqMiI/AAAAAAAABT0/zTOItrfgVPQ/s1600/2010-0620-bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj8BjsqMiI/AAAAAAAABT0/zTOItrfgVPQ/s200/2010-0620-bus.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bus!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We had dinner plans that evening with two of my brother's best students, Jessie and Emily, and we met them at the school gate at 1845, before heading into the city via bus. They brought me moon cakes, which was a wonderful surprise. The only time I had eaten moon cake before was in New York, and I hadn't particularly enjoyed it, but these were delicious. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Dinner was excellent. We let the girls do the ordering. One of the restaurant managers kept coming up and just staring at us, so I did all one can really do and smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJYmovPPI/AAAAAAAABUM/UTFcti6El8I/s1600/2010-0620-pigsfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJYmovPPI/AAAAAAAABUM/UTFcti6El8I/s200/2010-0620-pigsfeet.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Pigs Feet!*</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The first dish arrived, and Emily advised that we should ask for gloves because it was much easier and neater that way. We each received a plastic glove, and indeed, so much ease! I took my first bite. It was flavorful and fatty, but not in a greasy way. I rightly assumed it to be pork.<br />
When I asked Jessie what the dish was called, expecting the name in Mandarin, she and Emily gleefully replied, “pigs feet!”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Their reply was such I felt like I was in the scene in a film where a person has just been alerted that they are eating something they really wouldn't find OK. <b>Surprise!</b><br />
Thing was, I didn't mind. It was delicious. Pigs feet are very popular with women, it seems, as the girls told me that eating them is suppose to give you radiant skin and have a benefit that was to be our secret, as they were too shy to tell me while Kiely was in earshot. (make you chesty). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJd3dEvWI/AAAAAAAABUQ/HVIRCmqMrpo/s1600/2010-0620-francjessieemily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJd3dEvWI/AAAAAAAABUQ/HVIRCmqMrpo/s320/2010-0620-francjessieemily.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily (L), Jessie (R), and I after dinner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next dishes were also wonderful. There was a vegetable dish and a chicken dish. Chinese meals are served family style, with everything shared, and this was no exception. I also learned that many restaurants charge for napkins, so you should take the package with you when you leave. The napkins at this restaurant (1 yuan) smelled like jasmine, and I have kept them in my suitcase ever since.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We decided to walk back to <a href="http://old.huse.cn/english/about.htm">the University</a> after dinner, and along the way, we passed a funeral. Emily explained a bit of how a Chinese funeral differs from a Western one. The night before, the friends and family get together and play music, sing, eat, play mah jong, etc, and they do this until very late at night. The next day, they wake early and continue. White is typically worn by the immediate family at the burial in the form of a white wrap over regular clothes. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJh4gv_1I/AAAAAAAABUU/ypsF0gTsi6Q/s1600/2010-0620-gameOn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCkJh4gv_1I/AAAAAAAABUU/ypsF0gTsi6Q/s320/2010-0620-gameOn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dragon is the green one on the left, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>We picked up provisions for our train ride en route and after saying goodnight to the girls, headed to Kiely's to finish up our packing in time for our taxi at 2300.<br />
<br />
While we didn't play Bust a Move, we did decide to pack the controllers and load the Playstation emulator with our saved game onto my laptop.<br />
<br />
Addicted? Us? No. I just need to catch up on the 15 point lead Kiely has on me!</div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Yongzhou, Hunan, China26.420394 111.61344526.112934000000003 111.146526 26.727854 112.080364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-22917323581365584762010-06-19T22:00:00.018+01:002010-06-28T21:08:30.612+01:00HK&C: Day 4: Yongzhou, PRC<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7oAntDrI/AAAAAAAABTs/eMpXzRD-REo/s1600/2010-0619-porkbuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7oAntDrI/AAAAAAAABTs/eMpXzRD-REo/s320/2010-0619-porkbuns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork Buns for Breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This morning started off with more tasty food from the street, specifically more pork buns, a fried pancaky thing, and a bits of bread which reminded me of eating fried wontons, only they weren't crunchy, all which we enjoyed while taking the bus into Yongzhou city.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7rlIuHeI/AAAAAAAABTw/Zu1iQEEgJ7A/s1600/2010-0619-temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7rlIuHeI/AAAAAAAABTw/Zu1iQEEgJ7A/s200/2010-0619-temple.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Our first stop was an old temple, which had been closed for safety reasons; although a simple offer to pay for access allowed us to go exploring. We aren't sure what the temple was for, as is the case with many places visited in Yongzhou, because there's not much English about the place and neither of us speak enough Mandarin to understand the question if asked. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">After that, we wandered into the city area, where I got to not only try out the frogger game that is crossing the streets. It really is a bit of a free for all, especially as cars don't always stay on their side of the road. I also got to visit not one but two supermarkets. I saw lots of fun stuff qualifying for the Engrish Roundup, to be published later.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj89hTCQXI/AAAAAAAABT8/MQUhak-NE5Q/s1600/2010-0619-businesstown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj89hTCQXI/AAAAAAAABT8/MQUhak-NE5Q/s320/2010-0619-businesstown.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Business Town!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After that, we headed over to an area that Kiely calls, Business Town, which is basically a large, stalled, indoor market selling all sorts of stuff, a lot of which is counterfeit. There were lots of Engrish shirts, Skin products made by “Oily” instead of “Olay”, etc. We also found a book stall where we picked up some books for me to use in my Mandarin lessons back in London.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We headed back to the bus stop to return to Lingling for a dumpling lunch, a bit of quiet time, and a nice nap. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj9vrtp5eI/AAAAAAAABUA/IwEfeZgH-lA/s1600/2010-0619-campus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj9vrtp5eI/AAAAAAAABUA/IwEfeZgH-lA/s320/2010-0619-campus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After nap time, we headed out for my tour of campus, which unfortunately couldn't include seeing a classroom today because all sophomore students were taking a standardized English test called CET4, which all students must pass to graduate. It looks like the exam is broadcast over radio from a van, and the students have these small radios on their desks (no headphones) over which to hear exam instructions and questions.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><a href="http://old.huse.cn/english/index.htm">University</a> Tour completed, we headed back for showers and a bit more downtime before heading out for dinner with Albright, at yesterday's place of awesome cabbage and chicken head. Tonight, there was more cabbage (my request), spicy beef served on a sizzling iron plate, and on the walk home, a really delicious egg roll from the street, which was rather like a burrito. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7GRwkTBI/AAAAAAAABTo/WSkWRKxeojQ/s1600/2010-0619-mosquitotennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCj7GRwkTBI/AAAAAAAABTo/WSkWRKxeojQ/s200/2010-0619-mosquitotennis.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out, mosquitos!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We headed back home to repeat last night's agenda of beer + porch, only enhanced by the addition of mosquito tennis. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">This tennis racket-looking thing is actually a bug zapper, not unlike the sort you hang on a porch, only it runs off two rechargeable AA batteries. You wave it in the air, and mosquitoes and gnats that actually come between the gratings get zapped in sizzling, dramatic fashion. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">The rains started to fall heavily, and we headed in. Kiely and I decided to play one of our favorite old games, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzle_Bobble">Bust a Move</a>. I got my ass handed to me. I will make a comeback tomorrow, surely. I can't keep making my little dragon cry, and given the rains, the outdoors will not be easily faced. </div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Yongzhou, Hunan, China26.420394 111.61344526.112934000000003 111.146526 26.727854 112.080364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-36150500453572951742010-06-18T22:00:00.011+01:002010-06-23T01:43:26.750+01:00HK&C: Day 3: Yongzhou, PRC<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCAMYHx0ONI/AAAAAAAABTE/fH1eg93-aKI/s320/2010-0618-gameseven.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The commentary was a bit challenging for me to follow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This morning started with pork buns, which made me really like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yongzhou">Yongzhou</a> immediately. Kiely went out and picked the buns up before heading out to give his exams, and they made for a most excellent breakfast.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
I had thought I'd squeeze in a bit more sleep after breakfast, but such was not to be had. As I told Kiely to take the keys with him, I kept busy by watching Game 7 of the NBA finals, in Mandarin. (Basketball, Badminton, and Ping Pong are the most popular sports here. )<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDa0KYJ3MI/AAAAAAAABTI/ynMG7iK1DVQ/s320/2010-0618-lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><sup><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The head isn't visible in this shot. Ignorance is bliss. </span></span></span></span></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"> </a></sup><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"> </a></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kiely returned, and we headed out into town to run a few errands, have lunch, and explore. We headed over to a local spot and had a delicious lunch of cabbage and chicken. As someone who doesn't eat meat on bones often, doing so with chopsticks just adds to the fun. I found myself digging around the plate, trying to find easier pieces to start.<br />
<br />
I was so focused in my search that I didn't process that the rather uniform piece I was considering was actually the chicken's head; eyes, beak, and all. It came as such a surprise, I jumped, much to Kiely's amusement. He told me the head was the best part, but only kept up that claim for a minute or so, ultimately admitting that he couldn't eat it, either.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
Yongzhou is a very big city, geographically. The area where my brother's University is the old part of town, which is locally called, "LingLing." We did much exploring around the area.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDdxoGAWFI/AAAAAAAABTM/C8m_Vssdaa4/s320/2010-0618-temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the temple from within.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We headed out to the temple closest to where Kiely lives, which we believe honors a famous poet from Yongzhou and then walked through the old part of town. this area contains older buildings which are now protected from demolition but aren't really cared for either. We came back, enjoyed some AC, and headed out again, only this time onto the bus into Yongzhou city. <br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDeAib3woI/AAAAAAAABTQ/jJbVQ9CyfQ0/s200/2010-0618-trees.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The LingLing Waterfront</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
The bus is amazing - when it's moving. Yongzhou is so crazy humid that feeling the air whilst on a moving bus really does feel fantastic. Unfortunately, we had to sit on the bus and wait for it to start, but it may have been worth it.<br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
What really shocked me was that as we sat there, hot and sticky as can be, plenty of people outside were heavily dressed; women wearing long sleeves and lots of older men wearing Mao-style jackets. I can't imagine ever acclimating to that - it took my camera lens half an hour to unfog each time we went outside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDf8ujTO8I/AAAAAAAABTU/00dmkp1--AU/s320/2010-0618-linglinghistorical.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the old part of town, near the first temple we saw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We took the bus over the bridge, and visited two more temples as well as taking in the view from this music school. I also got to meet some of my brother's students, all of whom clearly appreciate him. I can see why it's a bit strange and wonderful to be a foreigner in Yongzhou. People definitely stare. A whole bus of middle school children was very excited to see us, and I have never had so many strangers tell me how pretty I am. It's rather fun to suddenly be perceived as special. <br />
<a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><br />
</a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_1797612466"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDgDMwJ_lI/AAAAAAAABTY/d7oadXIR8Yo/s320/2010-0618-temple2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second temple was beautiful, but closed. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>We hopped back on the bus (no waiting + open windows = glorious), enjoyed more AC and showers, and watched a Chinese children's cartoon, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleasant_Goat_and_Big_Big_Wolf">Pleasant Goat and Big Bad Wol</a>f (<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif,Tahoma,����; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px;"><b>喜羊羊与灰太狼)</b></span> before heading out to dinner with my brother's old friend , Albright.<br />
<br />
"Dumplings again?", was a welcome suggestion, and after a delicious dinner, we went for a walk. We ran into one of my brother's students who was celebrating her birthday and setting aloft a lantern with her wishes noted... it's a bit like when you light an Amaretto cookie wrapper on fire. We watched her wish blow off into the horizon with high hopes. She said that usually one keeps these wishes secret, but hers wasn't... that she hoped there would be no weather related disasters, to which I had to tell her that wish for good weather was very English. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDkFxVva3I/AAAAAAAABTc/N12_gw4tfdU/s1600/2010-0618-peopleslanguage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TCDkFxVva3I/AAAAAAAABTc/N12_gw4tfdU/s320/2010-0618-peopleslanguage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poster on campus encouraging students to <br />
speak Mandarin (the lady is a film star)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We headed back to Kiely's, and Albright, Kiely, and I, and we sat out on the balcony, chatting and people watching, until bedtime.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0Yongzhou, Hunan, China26.420394 111.61344526.112934000000003 111.146526 26.727854 112.080364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-3989959475076548412010-06-17T22:00:00.001+01:002010-07-03T16:28:00.417+01:00HK&C: Day 2: Hong Kong to Yongzhou<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-ccBUHUuI/AAAAAAAABS4/IiIgJQNIHuI/s1600/2010-0617-weak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-ccBUHUuI/AAAAAAAABS4/IiIgJQNIHuI/s320/2010-0617-weak.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Western toilet at Shenzhen Airport<br />
was not for the weak (see sign)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a rather rough night sleeping, I unsuccessfully tried to sleep in until 930. There was nothing wrong with my hotel room, only that my asthma medicine really messes with my sleep. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>My brother advised me of two things via email the night before:<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>China Rule #1: Don't drink the water from the tap in the mainland</b><br />
<br />
<b>China Rule #2: don't call a girl "xiao jie" unless you know her family name </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">I don't know about you, but the first was an expected bit of advice that was never in question. The second, well, I couldn't help but wonder if the consequences were potentially as dire as those associated with the first. The <a href="https://www.pimsleurapproach.com/learn-chinese-mandarin.asp">Pimsfleur Mandarin I</a> discs teach that, "xiao jie" literally means, "Miss", and is how one politely addresses a waitress. As this now seems not so, could saying "xiao jie" lead to vomiting and diarrhea, just like the tap water? I opted not to test this and just ask. It so happens that simply calling a woman, “xiao jie”, is colloquially the equivalent of calling her a whore. Yay Pimsfleur!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-aqmGhvWI/AAAAAAAABSw/J4DJyjp6fns/s1600/2010-0617-dimsum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-aqmGhvWI/AAAAAAAABSw/J4DJyjp6fns/s200/2010-0617-dimsum.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fancy Yum Cha!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
<b>On to the day: </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Kimiko and I met for early Dim Sum at 11 and had more wonderful catching up time. The food was excellent, and I especially enjoyed the beef dumplings and pork buns. Time flew, and before I knew it, time had come for a mad dash to catch the airport bus to <a href="http://eng.szairport.com/catalog_470.aspx">Shenzhen Airport</a>.<br />
<br />
Kimiko spoiled me rotten. She found the Airport Bus, put me on it, and even gave me tissues for the ride, just in case I didn't know #3! <br />
<br />
<b>China Rule #3: Always carry tissues, ladies. </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>At Kiely's advice, I took the airport bus which departs from the Airport Express Station at the West Kowloon MRT. The ride takes about 75 minutes (according to the sute), with buses departing every half hour between 0715-1915. There aren't many flights to Yongzhou, and I didn't want to risk missing the one I had, especially as my inability to actually read my ticket might slow me down.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-a84HkCEI/AAAAAAAABS0/TtXEVsY0Tjs/s1600/2010-0617-busstop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-a84HkCEI/AAAAAAAABS0/TtXEVsY0Tjs/s320/2010-0617-busstop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bus on the Shenzhen side's view of the terminal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In Shenzhen, where you clear customs and immigration, only to emerge on the other side to board an identical bus with your fellow passengers, all wearing stickers to assume no one gets lost. <br />
<br />
All I can figure is that between filling out the equivalent of a landing card and waiting in the foreigner's line, I took long enough that I did not catch the first bus out that I could have because I was the first one on the bus, and I didn't recognize any of the other passengers. As the website said the total ride was 75 minutes and we were still sitting there, I couldn't help but feel a bit worried.A little Google-mapping managed my concerns, and I found myself checked in at the airport and ready to go with plenty of time to spare. Something I hadn't counted on was that seemingly, no where accepted credit cards, and I hadn't bothered to change any money into Yuan.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-eRhlwSfI/AAAAAAAABTA/3vEiwC0hJkA/s1600/2010-0617-tinyplane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-eRhlwSfI/AAAAAAAABTA/3vEiwC0hJkA/s320/2010-0617-tinyplane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tiny bird of pure Hunan chaos.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had been warned that flights never leave on time, but I had hoped this wasn't really so. I was to be disappointed. My <a href="http://www.csair.com/cn/index.asp">China Southern</a> 17:30 flight became an 18:45 that didn't actually board until 19:00. I boarded my tiny plane, took my seat, and so the adventure began... <br />
<br />
Just prior to take off, there was a verbal dispute (shouting match) between the guy in the 3<sup>rd</sup> row and a guy in the 18<sup>th</sup> row. (I was in 19C) Crisis averted, we had the most abrupt take-off ever, and thenI opted for a bit of a catnap.<br />
<br />
I woke to the thud of something warm in my lap. A suspicious package labelled, “beef”. Unable to resist, I had to open it. I'm not sure what to call it, and I think it was probably pork. It was like a sweet white bun for a hamburger with a piece of meat in the top. It wasn't half bad – of course, I tried it.<b> There's also a picture on my phone, to be added to this posting later. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
Soon, it was time to land, and I swear, the entire aircraft bounced like a tennis ball when we first hit the ground. From that first bounce, anarchy kicked in. People started getting out of their seats, taking bags down, much to the protest of the in-flight crew. When the plane came to a stop, I unfastened my seat belt, and stepped into the aisle, only to find myself being pushed along and out of the plane as I grabbed for my bag, trying not to hit anyone. I was easily the tallest person on the plane, and I am pretty sure the people shoving me were old enough to be my grandparents. Down onto the tarmac I went, to the one tiny baggage claim. The scrum was small, and I emerged victorious, bag in hand. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-eJhpaW3I/AAAAAAAABS8/JWJmtc0yjwA/s1600/2010-0617-dumplings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TB-eJhpaW3I/AAAAAAAABS8/JWJmtc0yjwA/s320/2010-0617-dumplings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yongzhou's finest pork dumplings!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yongzhou only gets a few flights each week, and they had already closed the airports main area when I arrived. I was advised by a colleague of Kiely's that for many of the people on my flight, this was likely their first time on an airplane.<br />
<br />
My brother and I headed to his flat, where I dropped off my stuff, and we went to eat dumplings before heading back to his. He has two exams to give tomorrow, starting at eight, and given my sleeping problems, calling it a night at midnight seemed sensible, especially when so much lies ahead.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com4Yongzhou, Hunan, China26.420394 111.61344526.112934000000003 111.146526 26.727854 112.080364tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-36596968552991507882010-06-16T17:31:00.000+01:002010-06-16T17:31:49.888+01:00HK&C: Day 1: Hong Kong<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBj6n9eSTcI/AAAAAAAABSs/vbTcDpo2eAM/s1600/2010-0616-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBj6n9eSTcI/AAAAAAAABSs/vbTcDpo2eAM/s320/2010-0616-view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The overcast view from my room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Emerging from the plane after twelve hours in transit, I arrived in Hong Kong on Dragon Boat Day (端 午節英文) I trekked through customs. collected my bags, picked up an Airport Express Pass, and headed to the <a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/airport_express/intro_index.html">Airport Express</a> to take the train into Kowloon. After quickly dropping off my stuff at my digs for the night, <a href="http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/">the Langham Place</a>, I headed out to meet a very old friend for dinner.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBUldv15BlI/AAAAAAAABSc/D40PwqtwrmM/s1600/img015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBUldv15BlI/AAAAAAAABSc/D40PwqtwrmM/s200/img015.jpg" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimiko + Francoise 1991</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Kimiko was my roommate and closest friend during my first year of boarding school. She graduated and headed off into the world, while I had a few more years to go.<br />
<br />
A few years after she graduated, we lost touch, and we reconnected over Facebook a while back. I was very excited to hear she was living in HK.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBjxdjXJ63I/AAAAAAAABSg/CY_ygs3qFJo/s1600/2010-0616-kjf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBjxdjXJ63I/AAAAAAAABSg/CY_ygs3qFJo/s200/2010-0616-kjf.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimiko, Jimmy, + Franc 2010!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
As you can imagine, we've changed a bit since 1991. For starters, we have better clothes. Kimiko also has a wonderful husband, Jimmy.<br />
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It's really shocking to think that there are 19 years and 11 months between these photos of us. <br />
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We didn't stray far from the hotel, as conveniently, all I hoped for foodwise was literally right in front of me. Langham's Japanese restaurant, <a href="http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/tokoro.htm">Takoro</a>, was excellent. I especially enjoyed the sticky potatoes with tuna.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After supper, we wandered to <a href="http://hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/the_backyard.htm">The Backyard</a>, which offered outdoor seating and more World Cup coverage (there are many screens showing the game around the area) for a last round before calling it a night..one of many fun ones to come!Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1Kowloon, Hong Kong22.3166667 114.183333322.2968162 114.1541508 22.3365172 114.2125158tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-32476758007016369582010-06-15T10:00:00.000+01:002010-06-15T10:00:01.796+01:00HK & China 2010 (HK&C): The Game Plan<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_7UcgUmf2I/AAAAAAAABPE/uX5RfWUMn0c/s1600/hk2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_7UcgUmf2I/AAAAAAAABPE/uX5RfWUMn0c/s400/hk2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Where and When</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While initially planned for February and rescheduled due to my passport being held up for visa stuffs,<i> <b>Kiely and Francoise's Super Awesome Hong Kong and China Trip (HKandC)</b></i>, has finally come!<br />
<br />
As with everything else I do, I have made a spreadsheet summarizing a plan of action. Mock me all you like, but those who have survived my spreadsheets will generally agree that they're a good thing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_uYvoZ41I/AAAAAAAABSA/1RXlMXIDeRU/s1600/Book-bigbirdinchina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_uYvoZ41I/AAAAAAAABSA/1RXlMXIDeRU/s200/Book-bigbirdinchina.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>A few plans are currently lined up, but not many. There are friends to see in <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/index.jsp">Hong Kong</a>, a duck supper with friends of a friend in <a href="http://www.ebeijing.gov.cn/">Beijing</a>, and a definite requirement to see the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China">Great Wall</a> and <a href="http://www.chinavista.com/beijing/gugong/%21start.html">The Forbidden City</a>, but the rest will be ad-libbed.<br />
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Should we lose steam and require inspiration, my brother Kiely and I will be looking to our first real exposure to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Republic_of_China">PRC</a>, a <a href="http://www.pbs.org/">PBS</a> children's special, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bird_in_China">Big Bird in China</a>, rediscovered while looking at old books at our mother's house.<br />
He's definitely <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bird">Big Bird</a> at 6'8" (the real Big bird is 8'2"), and as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkley_%28Muppet_character%29">Barkley</a> and I share a hairstyle, these roles may be fitting. <br />
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Pictures and recaps will follow, as I can post them. For now, it's packing and airport time! 赠别!Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5001524 -0.126236251.473436899999996 -0.1846012 51.5268679 -0.067871199999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-86203051416506954022010-06-11T21:45:00.005+01:002010-06-11T21:51:53.877+01:00Norwich, UK - Collecting a Kitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeOnJof3I/AAAAAAAABSY/CiA-pjU3geo/s1600/2010-0611-empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeOnJof3I/AAAAAAAABSY/CiA-pjU3geo/s320/2010-0611-empty.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's very pink, no?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As our new friend is now 14 weeks old, she's old enough to come home with us.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've been preparing all week. There was an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/">Ikea</a> trip to manage clutter, a pet store trip for a cozy bed, scratching post, and litter tray, a sturdy cat carrier ordered on line, and even a baby gate purchased for our juliet windows. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I've not bothered to get my Driving License yet, I took the train up to <a href="http://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/">Norwich</a> to pick her up today with my seemingly gigantic pink and gray cat carrier.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, you read that right, <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">pink</span></b>. When I picked it online, the options were orange/gray or pink/gray. Weakly, I somehow clung to the notion that our kitten is female are surely would prefer a<b><span style="color: #ea9999;"> pink</span></b> carrier. I did not consider how I might feel carrying it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carrying a big, empty pink and gray pet carrier is exactly as much fun as it sounds. It's like carrying a really ugly purse, only a high percentage of people who see it think there's going to be something really cute inside of it, but there isn't. It retrospect, I should have put a photo of a piranha in there.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, my Barbie-worthy cat carrier purse and I took the 11:00 from <a href="http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/897.aspx">Liverpool Street</a> to <a href="http://www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com/train_times/stations_route_map/norwich">Norwich</a>, arriving 12:52. I resisted the urge to carry on a conversation with the carrier on the train. I made my way to the taxi rank and headed out to <a href="http://www.ikurlikat-cornishrex.com/">our breeder</a>'s home, approximately 15 minutes outside of the city.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeGa5RtLI/AAAAAAAABSQ/rAmk0cFcdrM/s1600/2010-0611-train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeGa5RtLI/AAAAAAAABSQ/rAmk0cFcdrM/s320/2010-0611-train.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having a full, pink cat carrier seemed better...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For starters, what I saw of Norwich was quite pretty. It seemed definitely worth another visit sometime. My driver was super nice, and before I knew it, I had arrived in <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=little+plumstead+norwich&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Little+Plumstead,+Norwich,+Norfolk&gl=uk&ei=kZwSTJOKIMX_4Ab734msCA&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBUQ8gEwAA">Little Plumstead</a>.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our breeder, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_731317446">Est</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://www.ikurlikat-cornishrex.com/">é</a>,</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> proved a lovely person with a home full of charming pets. She gave me a thorough crash course in our new kitten, covering her vaccinations, micro-chipping, worming, maintenance, registration paperwork, etc. All of the kittens were wonderful, and I was excited to be welcoming one home.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We packed up our girl, and headed out to <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_923579075">Est</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_923579075">é</a>'s car. That's when the mewing started. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">I previously had been too noting of the silliness of carrying an empty cat carrier, and in doing so, I failed to consider the silliness of carrying an occupied one. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeMbNaw1I/AAAAAAAABSU/juQwu_U3U7o/s1600/2010-0611-sleeps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBKeMbNaw1I/AAAAAAAABSU/juQwu_U3U7o/s320/2010-0611-sleeps.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All that mewing made her very sleepy</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">by the time we got back to London.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">She mewed and mewed, all the wait to the train station. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">We waved goodbye, mewing away.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"> I bought a sandwich in a sea of mews. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">We waited for our train, finally boarded at 14:50 without a lapse in the mewing. We took our seats, still mewing. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">I wasn't sure if I should just announce my situation to the train car or pretend like this was normal. I opted for the latter, and finally, it stopped. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">I peeked in the container, and she started again. I did not peek again. I didn't move again for 90 minutes. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">We arrived back at Liverpool Street and mew-mew-mewed our way to a taxi. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN-GB">After a few hours, she's still mew-mew-mewing unless we're holding her or actively playing with her. Fortunately, we like holding her and playing with her. She's awfully cute when she's napping. </span></span></div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-33651460251690060822010-06-10T22:40:00.008+01:002010-06-11T21:34:53.052+01:00Moving Pets to the UK<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCqZ4q9EI/AAAAAAAABP0/BTITzmpJDmQ/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBFa-Bn3ckI/AAAAAAAABSM/xKQesbByTs8/s1600/2010-0610-IATA+carrier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TBFa-Bn3ckI/AAAAAAAABSM/xKQesbByTs8/s320/2010-0610-IATA+carrier.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cramming a pet in here is not fun.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A friend contacted me this morning to ask me about the many to-do's that come with importing a domestic pet into the UK. It's a spiel I run through for people a few times a year, and inevitably, I always delete all of those emails noting the gory details. So, for future reference, here goes!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>**Rules change, I did this in 2007/08, and this seems current as of the time of this post. Always confirm w/ the UK <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/index.htm">DEFRA site</a> (Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs). Specifically, look at the <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/index.htm">PETS Scheme</a>. I have included links into DEFRA's site throughout this posting. Also, my notes specifically relate to flying your pets from JFK to Heathrow. (many US airports require the involvement of a Pet Travel Agent - JFK does not) Also, if you have a correction to share, please mail me. </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So you want to move your pet to the UK and not put your pet in quarantine..</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The most important thing:</b> It will take you a <b>minimum of seven months</b> to complete this process. There are no exceptions. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<b>Step I</b>: Go to your veterinarian and kick off the process. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tell the vet your plans, ensure they know the procedures. If you say, "pet passport", they'll likely know what you mean. A pet passport is an EU thing, but the requirements are the same as for what you'll need, a 3rd Party Veterinary Certificate. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The vet will do two things</b>:</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/micro.htm">Microchip your pet</a>: <br />
This is so the vet can be certain that they're always dealing with the same animal over the course of prep and for customs/agriculture to be sure that they've received the same animal that they have documentation for. If your pet already has a microchip, a second one may not be necessary, but you'll want ot be sure that your pet has one of the approved microchips for this process, because if they can't read your pet's chip on arrival, your pet won't clear customs/agriculture. Some people provide a microchip scanner when they transport their pet, but that seems a little excessive.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/vacci.htm">Inoculate your pet against rabies</a>:<br />
The UK eradicated rabies, so your pet will receive a rabies inoculation. This is not, as I understand it, necessarily the same vaccination as they have previously received over the course of their lifetime in the States or elsewhere. </span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step II:</b> Vet Visit Number II (this occurs approximately 30 days after Step I) - <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/blood.htm">The Blood Test</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">During vet visit 2, your animal's blood will be drawn and sent for testing at the only EU-approved laboratory in Leavenworth, KS (if you're coming from the states). The testing is to ensure there is enough of the titer in your pet's blood.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">**Your pet may travel six months from the date of a passing blood test </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, inevitably, one has to ask- what if my pet doesn't pass? How can I prevent this in the first place?</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>If your pet doesn't pass</i>: <br />
you'll return to Step I, and your pet will receive a second vaccination and be retested in thirty days.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As for preventing the odds of not passing first go:</i> most animals do pass, but younger animals are more likely to require a second inoculation. This is because an older animal will have been vaccinated more historically. My vet in the States said that they would double inoculate on the first go in the case of a young animal where circumstance would not allow for a bit of extra time to complete the process. </span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step III</b>: <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/documents.htm">Paperwork time</a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Your Vet will fill out a Third Country Official Veterinary Certificate. You will need to send this to the local USDA office for signoff as well. The <a href="http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel.shtml">USDA APHIS website</a> has some useful pet travel reference as well, but the key thing will be where to send your paperwork. There seems to be an office in each state, and you can find yours and more details <a href="http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/">here</a>. I sent mine with a return FedEx airbill, and the turnaround was very quick. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The certificate is valid for four months from the time at which it is signed off, so you should delay getting this until a month or two before you plan to move. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step IV</b>: Get an IATA Approved Carrier</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your friend will need an approved carrier, and that carrier must be the correct size for your pet based on <a href="http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live_animals/Pages/pets.aspx">these rules</a>. I bought mine at the aptly named <a href="http://pettravelstore.com/">pettravelstore.com</a>. Make sure you get a pad for the carrier, as it's required.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step V:</b> Book transport via <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/routes.htm">an authorized route</a></span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Planes:</b><br />
I flew my moggie on <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/travel/globalgateway.jsp/global/public/en_">British Airways</a>, and their <a href="http://www.britishairways.com/travel/pet/public/en_gb">Pets Desk</a> is very helpful. You can't make an animal cargo booking until 13 days before takeoff. I had been worried that there wouldn't be enough room, but when I rang, I was assured that there's plenty of room. If memory serves, they said a 747 can take 9 domestic pets, there are numerous JFK-LHR flights, and they only fly a few pets per day total. The cost of shipping my old friend was around $850.00, with a cargo fee of $800.00 and a weight surcharge for the rest. <br />
You have to check your pet in early, I believe we dropped him off at the Air Cargo terminal five hours before takeoff. Your animal cannot fly in the cabin with you, no matter how much you love him/her. You do not need to be on the same flight as your pet, either.</span></li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Boats: </b><br />
Some dogs aren't allowed in cargo - it seems to apply to those with smushy faces, such as Bulldogs and Pugs, or perhaps you don't want to part with your pet for a flight. If so, there's a boat ride for you. <a href="http://www.cunard.com/en-us/">Cunard</a> is the token approved sea carrier for pets in the UK, and the <a href="http://www.cunard.com/en-us/Ships/Queen-Mary-2/">QM2</a> will transport you and your pets in 6-8 days. They offer a 24 hour supervised kennel, and you can visit anytime you like. </span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step VI</b>: Pre-takeoff Vet Stuff</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your pet must (Not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before you check-in) be treated for:</span></div><ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Ticks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Tapeworms<br />
*My vet said I could do this myself, if memory serves, but we brought my cat in anyway. </span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> ...and it's Bon Voyage!</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>So what happens on the other side...</b></span> </div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Assuming you fly, your pet is well taken care of by Air Cargo. Upon arrival in London, your pet is taken to a special terminal at Heathrow, specifically for animals. This terminal is not near the passenger terminals and there is no easy pedestrian way to get there. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your pets documentation will be reviewed, your pet will be checked by a veterinarian, and your pet will need to urinate before it is released. This takes a while. Bring a book or a very large jigsaw puzzle. You may also want to bring snacks.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before you know it, it will all be done! I thought our cat would be traumatized by the experience, but he was his usual self from the minute we opened the carrier. </span></div>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-31246769536619249402010-06-09T20:18:00.003+01:002010-06-09T22:03:01.892+01:00Obtaining a Chinese Visa<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_k-F2NFlI/AAAAAAAABRo/CtxBXvomAEU/s1600/2010-0609-visaoffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_k-F2NFlI/AAAAAAAABRo/CtxBXvomAEU/s200/2010-0609-visaoffice.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'd <a href="http://www.visaforchina.org.uk/vaciswaiwangen/yyacinfos.html">made the appointmen</a>t. I'd<a href="http://www.visaforchina.org.uk/visaen/visaView.html;jsessionid=3BA429505C267186F39151FDF168ABC5?method=readNotify&notifyId=1121#Menu=ChildMenu2"> filled out the form</a>. I'd even dug up some superfine pictures of me. The only thing left to do was show up at the<a href="http://www.visaforchina.org.uk/visaen/visaView.html?method=readSimple&channelId=13"> Chinese Visa Application Center</a> and hand it in at the specified time.<br />
<br />
I did just that at 9am last Friday. I was assigned a number, waited nearly an exact half hour in the waiting room, and was called up to hand in my paperwork.<br />
<br />
My application required a few tweaks. My visa application's trip reason, to "visit a family member or relative" was downgraded to, "tourism", when I learned that the former reason requires evidence of relation, such as a birth certificate. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_mBCaJAJI/AAAAAAAABRw/j9sJirHg0Ho/s1600/2010-0604-waitingforvisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_mBCaJAJI/AAAAAAAABRw/j9sJirHg0Ho/s200/2010-0604-waitingforvisa.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>This was communicated to me in a tone which hinted that I was some sort of unprepared dolt for not having not only my own but my brother's birth certificate on hand at all times for a moment like this.<br />
<br />
My multi-entry visa request, too, was downgraded, as tourists seemingly only can have two entries.<br />
<br />
Having elected for non-expedited service (4 days v 3 days), I bid my most important identification goodbye with plans to reunite the following Wednesday. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_oYoBkHoI/AAAAAAAABR4/GcL4vfyrOtg/s1600/2010-0609-visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_oYoBkHoI/AAAAAAAABR4/GcL4vfyrOtg/s320/2010-0609-visa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today was collection day. Of course, today was the day I left the collection slip for my passport at home.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, this ended up not being of issue. One thing worth highlighting, though is that the <a href="http://www.visaforchina.org.uk/visaen/visaView.html?method=readNotify&notifyId=1115#Menu=ChildMenu2">schedule of fees</a> online if quickly read indicates a dual entry visa for a US citizen as costing £65.00 and separately lists application fees of £35.25 for standard, four day service.<br />
<br />
As a quick reader, I showed up with £65.00 and was rather surprised to receive a bill for £100.25. Fortunately, they accept debit cards and cash.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TA_oYoBkHoI/AAAAAAAABR4/GcL4vfyrOtg/s1600/2010-0609-visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
So, all I've left to do now is pack!Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-18083590422339328562010-06-06T21:34:00.005+01:002010-06-09T22:31:45.340+01:00The Modern Pantry, ClerkenwellToday's stop is a local venue where we've enjoyed dinner, <a href="http://www.themodernpantry.co.uk/">The Modern Pantry</a>. The last time we had dinner here was in January, and we enjoyed it so much that I'm surprised it has taken us so long to return. Surely, this restaurant would give our local roast favorites a challenge!<br />
<br />
It was a last minute choice this morning, and when we rang at 11ish for a 1230 reservation, we should have taken note when we were (rather oddly) advised our table was only available until 200p.<br />
<br />
Joining us on the <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">Quest </a>today are Vera, Roland, Oscar, and Darren. The Sunday menu from their website, offering both brunch and lunch, is <a href="http://www.themodernpantry.co.uk/pdf/menu/BrunchSundaywebsite.pdf#view=fit">here</a>. Today's menu differed a bit, but the sample menu is a good representation of the offerings. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dishes Ordered:</span> <br />
We went for the set menu. <br />
<br />
<b>Appetizers: </b><br />
<i>Unfortunately, there aren't any pictures of the appetizers because the soup arrived before the fritters, and when the fritters arrived, only two orders were delivered. Darren waited another ten minutes for his appetizer.</i><br />
<ul><li><i> </i>Okra, courgette, turmeric, and feta fritters, mango and ginger puree</li>
<li>Smoky aubergine soup, tahini yogurt, Turkish chili oil</li>
</ul><b>Mains:</b> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv55tSiY3I/AAAAAAAABQo/egV8bU-ytaE/s1600/2010-0606-mp-chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv55tSiY3I/AAAAAAAABQo/egV8bU-ytaE/s200/2010-0606-mp-chicken.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><br />
<ul><li>Poached Guinea Fowl , Plum, Nectarine, and Hijiki relish - served with spiced roast potatoes, carrot and parsnip quinoa, Yorkshire pudding<br />
(Vera, Darren, Franc)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv6AwlKnmI/AAAAAAAABQw/XxGKnmeL6NY/s1600/2010-0606-mp-lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv6AwlKnmI/AAAAAAAABQw/XxGKnmeL6NY/s200/2010-0606-mp-lamb.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Roast Saddle of Lamb, Smoked Anchovy, and Tomatillo - <br />
served with spiced roast potatoes, carrot and parsnip quinoa, Yorkshire pudding<br />
(Roland, Oscar)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<b>Desserts:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7fruvefI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tgc3rfT2GZs/s1600/2010-0606-icecream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7fruvefI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tgc3rfT2GZs/s200/2010-0606-icecream.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b></b><br />
<ul><li>Yuzu, lime, kiwi, and green tea sorbet<br />
(Vera)</li>
</ul><b> </b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7pNrLGdI/AAAAAAAABRA/umlutt3I6s8/s1600/2010-0606-crumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7pNrLGdI/AAAAAAAABRA/umlutt3I6s8/s1600/2010-0606-crumble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7pNrLGdI/AAAAAAAABRA/umlutt3I6s8/s200/2010-0606-crumble.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<ul><li>Gooseberry, Buckwheat, and Oat Crumble, White Chocolate Creme Anglaise<br />
(Darren and Roland)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7w0yE_dI/AAAAAAAABRI/YXoiefKzc5A/s1600/2010-0606-tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv7w0yE_dI/AAAAAAAABRI/YXoiefKzc5A/s200/2010-0606-tart.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b></b><br />
<ul><li>Spiced apple and raspberry tart, Eton Mess ice cream<b> </b>(Split by Oscar and Franc)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv73a0UczI/AAAAAAAABRQ/jWmgfope7Oo/s1600/2010-0606-cheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv73a0UczI/AAAAAAAABRQ/jWmgfope7Oo/s200/2010-0606-cheese.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b></b><br />
<ul><li>A selection of cheeses, The Modern Pantry Chutney, Oatcakes<b> </b>(Split by Oscar and Franc)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Observations: (collective and individual)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAwD-RoEZmI/AAAAAAAABRg/vNIlW1z47CY/s1600/2010-0606-mp-int.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><ul><li>The service was awful throughout. The venue was not packed.</li>
<li>When we asked our waitress if we could order drinks, she told us that they were being prepared, as though we were terribly impatient. When we alerted her to the fact that no drinks had been ordered, she stopped to take our order. I ordered one Bloody Mary, and she acknowledged by saying, "one pitcher". I explained that only one person wanted a Bloody Mary and that a single glass would be fine, and she pointed at a visibly pregnant Vera and tried to make it seem like Vera had telepathically asked her for a Bloody Mary as well.</li>
<li>As mentioned before, the appetizers didn't all come at once, and one order of fritters came late from a server other than our waitress, with an apology</li>
<li>We were never asked if we'd like more drinks or another bottle of water. </li>
<li>When giving our dessert orders, the waitress repeated back that we requested three crumbles when we had requested two. It was as though she really never listened to what we asked for. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAwD-RoEZmI/AAAAAAAABRg/vNIlW1z47CY/s1600/2010-0606-mp-int.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAwD-RoEZmI/AAAAAAAABRg/vNIlW1z47CY/s200/2010-0606-mp-int.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></li>
<li>The bill, when it was finally presented, was incorrect. We had been charged the set menu for courses rate with each dessert billed at full price.</li>
<li>The service sucked. It was neither friendly nor intuitive. (Oscar)</li>
<li>Yorkshire pudding with the main was fine, but out of place. It should have been presented with a dish that included gravy. (Franc)<br />
</li>
<li>There should have been a beef or pork option (Oscar)<br />
</li>
<li>Excellent selection of local beer (Oscar, Roland, Darren)<br />
</li>
<li>The Aubergine soup was OK - nothing special (Oscar)<br />
</li>
<li>It took them ten minutes to bring mustard, had I waited for it, my lunch would have gone cold. (Oscar)</li>
<li>I liked the food (Vera)</li>
<li>Oscar and Darren didn't like the gravel (aka: cous cous), but I really liked it (Franc)<br />
</li>
<li>The venue is sparsely decorated, and as there's nothing to absorb the sound, it is surprisingly loud.</li>
<li>What decor? (Oscar) </li>
<li>I like my dessert (Darren)<br />
</li>
<li>The cheese plate was OK. It would have been nice if the waitress had identified the cheeses and thought to suggest a glass of port. (Franc)<br />
</li>
<li>This experience really shows how bad service can really color one's impression.</li>
<li>The Eton Mess ice cream is brilliant. I am going to try to replicate this at home. It's wonderful. (Franc)<br />
</li>
<li>The service was so poor, I told the server to remove the gratuity from the check. She did so apathetically and made no inquiry as to why I had elected to do so.I have never asked a server to do this. (Franc) <br />
</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">On to the scores:</span> (awarded on these <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">guidelines</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv_dOMvn2I/AAAAAAAABRY/z_U3Vffx9N4/s1600/2010-0606-mp-scores.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAv_dOMvn2I/AAAAAAAABRY/z_U3Vffx9N4/s400/2010-0606-mp-scores.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Updated Map of Eats:</span><br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=London+EC1V+0DB,+United+Kingdom&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.512589,-0.149345&spn=0.085466,0.214233&z=12&output=embed" width="625"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=London+EC1V+0DB,+United+Kingdom&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.512589,-0.149345&spn=0.085466,0.214233&z=12&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">The Quest for the Best Sunday Roast</a> in a larger map</small><br />
*note: All Pubs visited including today's are noted with their scores in parenthesesFrancoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-23652245904113323662010-05-30T21:31:00.004+01:002010-05-30T21:35:46.314+01:00The Water Poet, Shoreditch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALAKW1J6PI/AAAAAAAABPg/6xe3G_pvdGk/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALAKW1J6PI/AAAAAAAABPg/6xe3G_pvdGk/s320/2010-0530-waterpoet-ext.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The long-neglected <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">Quest</a> resumes today after a two month break with a visit to <a href="http://www.waterpoet.co.uk/">The Water Poe</a>t in Shoreditch.<br />
<br />
We've walked by this pub a number of times, each time planning to lunch. Better late than never!<br />
<br />
Joining the<a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html"> </a>today are <a href="http://www.darrensmithbooks.com/">Darren</a>, Andy, and Neil,the latter two both making a Quest debut. Everyone else left us for the holiday weekend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCqZ4q9EI/AAAAAAAABP0/BTITzmpJDmQ/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCqZ4q9EI/AAAAAAAABP0/BTITzmpJDmQ/s200/2010-0530-waterpoet-menu.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>You can check out the The Water Poet's online <a href="http://www.waterpoet.co.uk/menus/d16c7c62-ca18-1704-5d9f-0a08ccb260fd.pdf">Sample Sunday Lunch Menu</a>, but I've posted a photo of the actual menu from today to the left.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCqZ4q9EI/AAAAAAAABP0/BTITzmpJDmQ/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Dishes Ordered:</span> (Pictured left to right):<br />
<ul><li>Roast Sirloin of Beef, roast potatoes, parsnips, cabbage, carrots, yorkshire pudding, and real gravy</li>
<li>Roast Chicken Breast, onion and mixed herb stuffing, roast potatoes, parsnips, cabbage, carrots, Yorkshire pudding, and real gravy</li>
<li>Beer Battered haddock fillet, chips, creamed peas</li>
</ul> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALGOxNZ46I/AAAAAAAABP8/6VWVMyigzmI/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALGOxNZ46I/AAAAAAAABP8/6VWVMyigzmI/s200/2010-0530-waterpoet-beef.jpg" width="200" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALGVsrIPyI/AAAAAAAABQE/uuS8LuFe_UA/s200/2010-0530-waterpoet-chicken.jpg" /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALHMHh0ZcI/AAAAAAAABQM/bZb8gnVlWBM/s200/2010-0530-waterpoet-fishchips.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALBOmPPHbI/AAAAAAAABPo/-HrPSxtfJcI/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Observations: (collective and individual)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALJFy60-6I/AAAAAAAABQU/9eEOYSFOfkI/s1600/2010-0530-thewaterpoet-int.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALJFy60-6I/AAAAAAAABQU/9eEOYSFOfkI/s200/2010-0530-thewaterpoet-int.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><ul><li>Large screen TV in Dining Room = Bad (Darren)</li>
<li>Large screen TV in Dining Room = not Bad (Neil)</li>
<li>The food was good, and I liked the half cabbage (Darren)</li>
<li>The cabbage hunk in unwieldy, but OK (Andy)</li>
<li>I tend to lean towards pro-eggplant cuisines rather than pro-cabbage (Neil, whose meal did not include cabbage) </li>
<li>The meat had a bit of fat on it, which I like, and the veg were nice (Andy)</li>
<li>This pub is much bigger than it looks from the outside (Darren)</li>
<li>Biggest Yorkshire, ever.</li>
<li>Waitress has a cute outfit, which encourages my environment score of 3.5 (Andy)</li>
<li>Fish and Chips was above average and oddly shaped in a good way... triangular; not sure where inside the fish this cut comes from. (Neil)</li>
<li>The service was good, and the venue was nicely decorated. (Franc) </li>
<li>The mushy peas were interesting in a good way and a bit nutty (Neil)</li>
<li>The fish batter was a bit heavy and Crisco-ish (Neil)</li>
<li>My chicken was delicious (Franc)<br />
</li>
</ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">On to the scores:</span> (awarded on these <a href="http://francoisesmiscellany.blogspot.com/2009/04/quest-for-sunday-roast.html">guidelines</a>)<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCsYm4S6I/AAAAAAAABP4/4hURrx3xTdk/s1600/2010-0530-waterpoet-scores.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TALCsYm4S6I/AAAAAAAABP4/4hURrx3xTdk/s640/2010-0530-waterpoet-scores.png" width="640" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Our Updated Map of Eats:</span><br />
*note: All Pubs visited including today's are noted with their scores in parentheses, with the larger map in the widget on the right<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.522416,-0.10334&spn=0.037383,0.107288&z=13&output=embed" width="625"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111626215653062232950.000467ed4a82bb8a05ac9&ll=51.522416,-0.10334&spn=0.037383,0.107288&z=13&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">The Quest for the Best Sunday Roast</a> in a larger map</small>Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-35536636978680618882010-05-28T20:12:00.003+01:002010-05-28T20:15:30.097+01:00US Embassy Passport Services and Extra Pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAANBA1lrfI/AAAAAAAABPM/QqfyOXro3ow/s1600/2010-0528-queuing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAANBA1lrfI/AAAAAAAABPM/QqfyOXro3ow/s400/2010-0528-queuing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Line for US Citizen services was much shorter when I was leaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>With the next trip less than three weeks away, I could no longer delay on getting new visa pages in my Passport.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.usembassy.org.uk/">US Embassy's</a> website indicates that one can obtain new pages with a two week turnaround by sending one's passport by mail, which wasn't going to work for me because getting my visa to go to China will take four days.<br />
<br />
I rang <a href="http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/acs/passports/index.html">Passport Services</a> and learned that one may have Visa pages added same day if one shows up between 830-11 am and if one can evidence that the expedited service is necessary by providing a ticketed itinerary and evidence of a visa appointment at a Foreign consulate.<br />
<br />
Today, I went for the new pages. Here's how it all played out<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAANJyaWQAI/AAAAAAAABPQ/NMIwbkOboeU/s1600/2010-0528-pages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/TAANJyaWQAI/AAAAAAAABPQ/NMIwbkOboeU/s320/2010-0528-pages.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Pages!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>0840: </b>Arrival, place mobile phone collection into Embassy-provided plastic bag<br />
<b>0841: </b>Commence queuing<b> </b><br />
<b>0945:</b> Queuing Ends. Security Check.<br />
<b>0950: </b>I am assigned number P36 by the security desk<br />
<b>0953:</b> P36 is called to Window #1. I hand in my passport and am advised to take the bill for services over to Window #9. When I point out that there is no payment receivable, I learn that the receipt has to get to Window #9 somehow, and that way just happens to be yours truly.<br />
<b>0958:</b> I make payment of 0 USD at Window #9 and receive my receipt. I feel wonderfully frugal.<br />
<b>0959:</b> Waiting commences<b> </b><br />
<b>1020:</b> Embassy-wide announcement of the discovery of a suspicious package in the mail room. The waiting masses are undaunted. No one leaves in fear of their lives. It seems that they all have concluded that the odds of death (minute) are better risked than the odds of needing to queue up again to get back in the room (highly likely). <br />
<b>1050:</b> Waiting ends. P36 is called to Window #5. Passport returned, complete with snazzy new pages, which don't match my Passport, strategically replaced right before the introduction of biometric requirements in 2005.<br />
<br />
Now to get my travel visas...Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com3London, UK51.5001524 -0.126236251.473436899999996 -0.1846012 51.5268679 -0.067871199999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-14680067695534377922010-05-26T06:38:00.013+01:002010-06-09T20:53:36.020+01:00New Kitten - 11 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_7etUHRdgI/AAAAAAAABPI/SNdthmFRtek/s1600/2010-0526-kitty-11weeks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_7etUHRdgI/AAAAAAAABPI/SNdthmFRtek/s320/2010-0526-kitty-11weeks2.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>While a bit off topic, everyone likes baby animal pictures, right?<br />
She's now eleven weeks old, and we will be picking her up on the 12 of June. We won't be naming her until we get to meet her.Francoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5001524 -0.126236251.473436899999996 -0.1846012 51.5268679 -0.067871199999999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581647704852061640.post-36320821069458434532010-05-25T20:20:00.000+01:002010-05-25T20:20:29.547+01:00Of course I ate it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_weuzEPbII/AAAAAAAABOA/dEdYMWtcFgs/s1600/20100525-bigtexas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_52UDPehQtXI/S_weuzEPbII/AAAAAAAABOA/dEdYMWtcFgs/s320/20100525-bigtexas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I found this picture in my phone today. <br />
<br />
+ 1 Office Vending Machine in NYC<br />
+ $1.00<br />
+ No Sense of Self Preservation<br />
= Big Texas Cinnamon RollFrancoisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11224350194697662482noreply@blogger.com0