Getting to Beijing felt like cause for celebration. We’d been aimed at Eastern China for months and then all of a sudden we were there. It was also Christmas and we were welcomed by Angus, a friend from student days with talent for celebrating any day, regardless of the date. We were soon at Alex and Namfon’s house where they had French wine and cheese. After 6 months of mutton or noodles that was cause for celebration alone.

 

The wine flowed all week. We all spent Christmas day skiing and new years eve on a hutong rooftop somewhere.

 

We enjoyed being in Beijing but I don’t think Helen or I really liked the place. Not the centre of the city, anyway. The four lane streets and predictable blocks of new offices and apartments lacked character in way I thought was only possible in American cities. Goes to show that it doesn’t really matter where you are. With good company, good food and perhaps a roof with a view, all will be well. JL