Posted: 06/19/08 |
| Ann Back from Short Trip to Vancouver |
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It’s definitely summer in Beijing! Temperatures have been in the 80’s and even 90’s. It is also rainy season, so there is some relief to the hot days. This past Sunday, I took my bicycle for a spin and ended up at Chaoyang Park. This park is Beijing’s largest green space and is located right in the middle of the busy CBD. The park is a center of entertainment, yet relaxation. Friends, families and young couples enjoy playing badminton, picnicking, kite-flying, boating, and strolling as well as a siesta. For those that need more excitement, there is an amusement park with roller coaster, go-carts, and water plume. As I walked through the park, I enjoyed watching all these activities going on around me. What a better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon! The park also boasts some great restaurants, bars and nightclubs, particularly at the West Gate.
Don’t forget, the park will host the 2008 Beach Volleyball Olympic Competitions. 17,000 tons of sand was hauled in from Hainan, an island off Southern China.It is a really nice end to a sweaty day of walking around town:)
- Ann L.
Your Resident Expat in Beijing |
Posted: 06/03/08 |
| Getting Pretty in Beijing |
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The first time I needed to get a haircut in China, I was very pleasantly surprised at the treatment I got. Not only did I get a spiffy haircut, but I also got my hair thoroughly washed, and my head, neck, shoulders and arms massaged! I did not ask for these services, and was certainly not expecting them. I soon learned that a hairwash and massage comes standard with any haircut. In fact, I can walk into a salon any day and order just the wash and massage without getting a cut. Even with the haircut, my bill is usually around $5.00! I now go happily with any friends who need help communicating with the barber so that I can get pampered too. It is a really nice end to a sweaty day of walking around town:)
- Diana
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Posted: 05/29/08 |
| A Must in Beijing: Having A Massage! |
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There are plenty of Spa and Massage Centers in the city to choose from and their menu of services are loaded with all sorts of therapeutic remedies, from traditional massage, cupping (a form of treatment where a round glass is used by first heating the air inside it then placing the glass down on the skin before the warmed air can escape hence causing a suction of skin into the cup leaving round “bruises”) and lymph node massage to name a few. I have tried the traditional Chinese massage which focuses on finger or digital pressure and helps you to release blocked energies; also the aromatic oil massage that stimulates the lymphatic system releasing toxins and dissolving stress; the pedicure and a foot massage that is useful to recover from the long walks; and lastly a facial treatment which end up in a 30 minute head massage - marvelous!
Of course you can have many more types of treatment than these… but be careful because it’s very easy to get addicted to those soothing treatments!
You don’t need much of an excuse to treat yourself, if you’re not flying business class or maybe you’re too much of a work alcoholic or just want to take care of yourself, have a try! It’s pretty cheap in China (at most half the prices in the West) and the masseuses are excellent and professional. A massage can even recover your nerves after a long day in the Beijing traffic jam!
Well, I’ve got to run; I might be late for my noontime massage!
- Raffaella C.
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Posted: 05/23/08 |
| Growin' Bud in Downtown Beijing |
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So, we’ve never kept a Garden of our own….until we moved to Beijing! Yes, downtown Beijijng. About 2 months ago, we started planting a few different seeds. I’m fortunate enough to have one of the best gardeners. The gardener is my husband. He has quite the green-thumb, while I have killed every plant I’ve owned over the years. He gets a bit nervous when he is out of town for a few days, calling and checking to see if I’ve watered the plants and tended to them. I can’t complain, our plants are flourishing and we are feasting on garden lettuce, basil, mint, thyme. You realize I call them ‘our’ plants since I am eating them!
- Ann L.
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Posted: 05/01/08 |
| Cycling in Beijing in Preparation for the Olympics! |
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If you know me, you know that I love riding a bicycle; road, mountain, single-speed, or just a cruiser around the city. Upon arriving in Beijing, I found an old used bicycle to buy from some university student. I didn’t require any fancy bicycle as I didn’t want to worry about having it stolen while I parked it at various spots around the city. This bicycle has become my best friend. I take it on errands, to the pool or gym, out to dinner, to business meetings, etc. I couldn’t imagine life in Beijing without it!
I paid 100 Yuan for the bicycle, which is about USD$14! Now, I have been very impressed by pedaling as far as 30 km around the city with this bicycle. But, this past weekend, I really put it to the test. We biked NW of the city to a spectacular area called the Fragrant Hills. The Fragrant Hills Park is a large park of hills and forest covering 160 hectares (395.4 acres). This was an opportunity just outside the city limits to take in cultural sites and experiences just like other Beijingers did on a beautiful spring Sunday. After a hike up to the top of the hill for some awesome views of Beijing and the surrounding hills, we made our way down and back into the small village at the bottom of the park. We all enjoyed a jianbing (a common Beijing Street Food that consists of a thin crepe placed on a hot surface. An egg is cracked over it and quickly swirled around. As the egg cooks, cilantro and spring onions will be scattered around it) and then made our way back by bicycle to the city center of Beijing. To think that I did 80 km on this old rickety bicycle…I had to laugh at the thought of my expensive bicycles collecting a layer of dust while I am away and how I can enjoy some of the same pleasures from a bike worth $14.
- Ann L.
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Posted: 04/24/08 |
| The New National Olympic Stadium (Birdsnest) |
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Last Friday night I was able to attend the first event at the new National Stadium also known as the “Bird’s Nest” where the Opening Ceremony will be held on the 8th of August. I have good news for you coming to Beijing soon for the Summer Games… the “Bird’s Nest” is an amazing venue.
I am familiar with the Beijing Summer Games venues from magazine photos and TV footage where the venues were as 3D prototypes. Their names sounded intriguing to me… the “Bird’s Nest” or the “Blue Water Cube”. The news agencies reported them not finished or even worst so far away from the goal that they won’t be complete by the start of the Games; it’s not nearly the truth.
I saw more than 10,000 people that witnessed the first event took place in that huge, steel, somewhat cozy masterpiece of a stadium. The event was the women and men 20km race walk!
The stadium is weather proof, has three tiers, entrances from A to M, bars, amazing toilets and security everywhere. It provides 91,000 seats and the only way you’re getting in is if have tickets and pass through check-in gates. So, I’m suggesting everyone to be there some hours before your events to ensure not to miss any action. Needless to say the security controls at the stadium is a priority!
The surrounding Olympic Green is almost ready to host the mass of athletes, sport fans and media whom are going to join us in Beijing; grass is growing, the torch tour is on the way to be completed, and all the last little jobs are coming to the end. The Chinese workers are tireless; they are doing a good job. People from all over the country came to the North Capital to watch the worldwide event. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for most of them to be part of China history! I can already feel that atmosphere growing.
If your coming to Beijing I suggest finding an excuse to go to the Olympic Green, if even for a walk and let the energy that is on the air consume you! It’s a wonderful sensation; you should have that experience before leaving the city!
(Basically I’m saying, buy tickets for the events so you don’t kick yourself later ! J)
Raffa
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Posted: 04/16/08 |
| Torch Relay, etc. |
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I visited a wonderful open-air food market with a friend this past weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, farmers come to this make-shift market to sell their produce, chicken, pork, fish, etc. We arrived at the market around 11am. This is quite late to arrive since the market is only open from 06:30 – 12:00. We thought the crowds would be a little less at this later hour. Wrong! This is Beijing – a city that boasts over 14 million people - there are always crowds. We had to politely push and shove through the crowds of old women and men picking out their produce for the next week.
These cute old ladies knew what they wanted and if you were in there way, they had no problem of pushing you aside. Hey, with this many people, you have to take care of yourself. I enjoyed looking at so many vegetables that are not available in the states as well as those familiar ones. Another part of the market has only meat and fish products. You can browse through the fresh cuts of meat just sitting out on a table. I was a bit shocked as my friend picked up 3 different whole chickens to determine the best one. I’m not talking about the plump roaster chickens we have in the states. These were beautiful, normal size chicken; head, eyes, feet all in tact. We eat all parts (brain, feet, heart, liver, etc) of the chicken here and it all is delicious!
We bought a chicken , some pork, mushrooms, eggplant, local greens for a salad, tomatoes, oranges, and pumpkin. I love to cook, so I came home and started cooking with these wonderful fresh ingredients. I hope to make a trip to this market a weekly event as everything is so fresh and very cheap.
- Ann L.
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Posted: 04/10/08 |
| Raffaella Arrives in Beijing |
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I arrived in Beijing March 17th and realized quickly that I am in China now! I quickly felt comfortable with my new environment in China. The reason is I quickly felt at home in the city of Beijing - with the people rushing through the streets and neon lights providing constant stimuli and my new colleagues are fantastic , warm and inviting helping adjust to the Beijing lifestyle.
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The first two things I did were to buy a bike, a real Chinese one “Flying Pigeon of Beijing” and ate dumplings. I’ve discovered I can’t live without either of them, I could possibly become addicted to dumplings and trying to figure out how to bring my “Flying Pigeon” with me when I leave; I recommend trying both for yourself ! You will never get sick of dumplings (plus if your planning on sharing a plate of dumplings with me you’ll have to be fast, because I’m able to make them disappear rather fast) and biking around Beijing is the easiest way to get in touch with the city, its amenities, people’s life style, flavors and colors; not to mention just getting around.
From the outside looking in I (we) look at Beijing as a smoggy grey city, maybe it is occasionally, but it will surprise you every day! |
Take a walk in a park, even the smallest ones, during the week-end or early in the morning; or meander around in the part of the city you are and you will be certain to discover and appreciate the beauty of the typical Chinese activities which we’ve only seen pictures of or read about before actually seeing it played out in front of your own eyes!
Ciao!
Raffaella
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Posted: 02/15/08 |
| Valentine's Day in Beijing |
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Ever since we arrived in Beijing I wanted to get up close to the brand new Beijing National Aquatic’s Center (also called the Water Cube). This is one of the brand new venues built in preparation for the Beijing Summer Olympics. The Water Cube will be the venue for swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water-polo final during the Olympic Games in August. This past Friday we had the chance to walk around the building and attend a swimming event inside the ‘cube’- A sort of Olympic Game test event - Good Luck Beijing 2008 Swimming China Open. The venue is just inside the Olympic Park. The other venue just to the east of the cube is the National Stadium, also called the Bird’s Nest. I was in awe as I stood between the two venues – what impressively huge buildings to construct for Summer Games. They are both strategically placed on the east and west side of the central axis in Beijing.
There’s still lots of dirt around the venues, but the Olympic Park looks like it is coming together well. The water cube is this long rectangular building with walls of membrane pockets of air resembling bubbles! At night, the bubbles are blue, by day, they appear white. The building was really impressive especially if you read about the architecture and engineering that went behind this building.
Upon arrival to the venue, we entered through a portion of the fenced off Olympic Park open for the event parking. However, after the event, we decided to walk south of the building along with many other spectators to catch a taxi cab back into the city. Since the Olympic Park is still undergoing construction, the whole park is fenced off. South of the park was a small portion of the fence ripped out for those entering or exiting. It was hilarious as we all (Chinese people followed by a couple of westerners) funneled into this small opening and stepped over a pipe and through the fence. We laughed at how we escaped the Olympic Park with the two beautiful brand new venues lit up in the background!
- Marc and Ann
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| February in Beijing |
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On the Wall at Jinshanling and Simatai today. Brrrrr……..it’s cold!! And I’m from northern Minnesota! We left Beijing behind in snowflakes for our Great Wall tour. We were the only people in the parking lot. Well, there were 6 elderly Chinese with their make-shift booth selling winter hats, sweatshirts, candy bars, postcards, etc. I couldn’t believe they were still out their in this cold and no one was there! The parking lot attendant even smirked a bit as we pulled up, as if we were crazy to be up there today!
For us, this is the best time to visit places - during the low season! Sure, the weather may not be ideal, but to be hiking along the Great Wall in China by ourselves is an amazing experience. Did I say hiking alone? Well, as we approached the path up to the Wall, we passed a few shops (that appeared closed for the winter). When all of the sudden, two Chinese women yell and come running outside behind us! These women make the journey with us – following behind us for a while and then add comments about the Wall; they point out landmarks and dangerous areas (this is a remote section of the wall that has not been redone in over 500 years), and even take our photo. You already know that these ‘guides’ are not voluntarily walking with you. They hope to sell you something. These ladies both had a different picture book to sell. They were quite nice books and so the bargaining began between the women and Marc.
Marc loves to bargain and teases the women (I hear Marc say behind me..., “20 RMB plus a candy bar” or “20 RMB plus my handkerchief “- this one makes the women laugh as she says “why, it’s made in China, right?” Well, surprisingly, we have something NOT made in China to offer them.) Did Marc eventually buy the book? Yes, for 45 RMB (~$6). I think he could have gotten a better deal, but he also had a great time with these women and they added to our experience of the Wall. You will find out that much is bargained for in Beijing. Sometimes, I find it tiring or annoying to work so hard for something. We are finding out just how low we can haggle for prices. Yet, we both believe that what you are willing to pay for something is how much it should cost you. It helps to have a good attitude and be willing to walk away from the item if they will not come down to an acceptable price. It’s ok to walk away from them. I’ve left many a booth at the various markets in the city because I just didn’t want to pay that much for an item.
We both kept looking at each other after we had a glimpse of the Wall surrounding us miles and miles away on each side. We will go back in the spring and hike along the wall between these two areas. It is a 6-8 mile walk along the ramparts to the next village!
- Marc and Ann
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| A Ride Through Houhai |
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So, the other day I was riding our new bike (well, new to us) home from the seller’s apartment in the northwest corner of Beijing, which brought me near Houhai and Qianhai Lakes.
This area is known for its charming sights in daylight to its gaudy neon discotheques and bars at nightfall. Well, it was mid-afternoon and freezing (for a northern Minnesota Kid to say this, well…) but I had to stop in amusement at what I was watching. Nothing extremely abnormal, but it seemed out of place in Beijing; there was about 100 people scattered on the lake ice-skating or some form of it. Some were sitting on chairs with skate blades welded on the legs while pushing themselves along with ski poles. So far Beijing has continued to delight us with its surprises...
- Marky Marc
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| Ludus is Homesteading in Beijing! |
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We have set up the Ludus Office in Beijing! Marc and I found ourselves around the city quickly and fell in love with Beijing! The amount of work/construction the city is doing to prepare for the games is an amazing site. Beijinger's are proud of their city and country and will make these Summer Games one of the best if not the best Games. After visiting numerous hotels/apartments, we made it to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall.
We have eaten at traditional Chinese Restaurants as well as a Chinese home for a traditional meal. But, you won’t have to only survive on Chinese food while you are here.
We’ve found the best pizza, coffee and Swedish meatballs. Every culture/country (Americans, Germans, Russians, etc.) of expats have their favorite area of Beijing. That is just how big Beijing is of a city – one that encompasses 12+ million people and yet other cultures have made up their own communities within the city.
Marc and I spent a year in another far-east country, so culturally; things are very standard for us. But over the next 7 months, we’ll add tid-bits of information to this blog to help ease you into Chinese culture.
Tid-bit #1: Chinese clear their throats/noses loudly and at times, in public to clear their bodies (a cleansing process). It is not considered rude to clear your throat/nose while on the sidewalk. This may be something westerners find rude and/or disgusting, but here it is part of everyday living. Ann L.
Ann L. |
| Clock is Ticking Down... |
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We leave for Beijing in the morning...we're excited to get there and see the Olympic city. It's going to be a great next few months. We are a bit anxious at this point, but excited.
Here is a good article I just read about Beijing...thanks for sending it, Ashley!
Ann Lanari
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Posted: 11/15/07 |
| About to Move to China |
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Been in London for the World Travel Market for lots of meetings regarding the Olympics. I was able to swing by Barcelona and meet Chiara (Adam and Jess' new baby) as well. Here is a photo of me holding her.
Lots do to before our big move to Beijing, China, at the end of the month. We have plenty of packing to do before our flight on the 27th.
More updates soon!
Ann Lanari
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Posted: 09/21/07 |
| Back from Beijing... |
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What a whirlwind trip! I was here 6 days and feel like I was busy the entire time. It was tough with the jetlag only because i went straight from the airport right to lunch, meetings, hotel inspectations and I even had a dinner that night. Fortunately, most of whom I met with on my trip here I already knew...so it was pretty casual.
It was my first time to see Hotel Catic, which is our USATF package hotel. Man, you cannot get any closer to the Olympic Stadium. Truly amazing! I stayed at the Presidential Plaza during my stay and it was a great location.
Overall, it was a great trip, albeit short and packed with activities. I was able to attend a test event as the Modern Pentathlon World Cup took place on Saturday. That was really cool to see (my first Modern Pentathlon event). The Beijing facilities are really amazing. Thanks for everything, John!
Anyway, we're excited to have Ann and Marc based here starting in November. They're going to really love it, and it will be invaluable for us to have a on-site staff in China in the months leading up to the Games.
Please continue to keep checking here for our BLOG UPDATES! |
Posted: 09/12/07 |
| Heading to China... |
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Well, I am about to head out to Beijing. I was a bit worried about the whole trip. Jessica and I aren't used to traveling apart, but she's so pregnant I have to make this one alone. I have meetings scheduled for virtually every minute that I am there. It should be exciting, to say the least.
Most of what I'll be doing is trying to sew up some contracts, inspect some hotels and try to get a better feel for Beijing. This is just my 3rd time to China and we'll be hosting thousands of people here in less than one year.
I am glad that we'll have our team here starting before too long.
More about the rest of the trip soon!
Adam D. |
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