16 November 2011
Last night in Beijing
As mentioned earlier, I headed back to the same spot I was at in the morning, as it seemed to be a night market of sorts. I guess it was, but most of it is new and not operating yet, like much of Beijing.
Not to worry, instead I explored some of the Hutongs (old alleyways) near this area, then headed back to have a huge dinner as shown below.
For some reason, Tiananmen square was closed this evening, something about national flag ceremony. I wonder how they empty it out though? I kind of wish I was there to see soldiers marching through the square telling everyone to get out.
Later in the evening, it started to rain, very very lightly. Not enough to get wet. Still this sends everyone into an absolute panic. Women with babies running across 12 lane roads into omcoming traffic, people falling off bikes etc. Within 5 minutes the streets were deserted. I dont get it.
The panic is made worse because the streets and footpaths are just so unbelievably slippery, I nearly slipped over a dozen times, and other people including soldiers were doing the same. This does not happen to me in Australia. I am therefore convinced its a combo of the build up of pollution dust and moisture that causes it to be so damn slippery.
Also, one annoying habit people have is to get to the top of an escelator, and stop to look around, like 1 step off the top of the moving stairs. This inevitably leads to the 2000 people behind them trying to step backwards to avoid smashing together. I am convinced that the recent well publicised escelator accidents were caused in this manner.
Tomorrow I start the journey home, at Beijing capital airport (I am excited, not to be going home but because this is one of the worlds great airports!). I will stop over in Hong Kong for a few hours, which I also always enjoy.
Thick pollution tonight causing red glow.
Ancient landmarks need their outline lit up, otherwise you would never see them through the pollution.
The winner of biggest fast food establishment yet seen by my own eyes goes to KFC Tiananmen square.
A hutong, the lights are just small restaurants, mainly hole in the wall places. Apparently many people living in Hutongs have no kitchens or bathrooms, hence they buy their food from a hole in the wall, and then use a community bathroom.
More hutong, this time featuring bikes.
Same place I was this morning, only now dark.
In amongst the junk selling stores, you sometimes find something decent. This guy was actually making all the jewellery on display. On the wall behind him there were lots of photos of him being interviewed on tv etc.
My dinner, beef noodle soup and dumplings one more time! I had to line up to get in here, but was determined as it looked good. The dumplings are different to other places, made from a few layers of pastry and left unfinished at the top. I found (by watching others) that you grab hold of this by hand and bite the bottom off then discard the unfinished bits. They were delicious. Also the noodles here were hand pulled on site, and fantastic.
Guys making my noodles and dumplings.