Hustle & Bustle

The past couple of days have been an exciting blur of different smells, colors, tastes, and awkward interactions. Each day we have walked until we both have blisters on our feet and aches in our backs. It seems that everything and every place we go has a unique aroma or something fun to explore or try out.

We are trying to get used to the hustle and bustle of everything around us. Everyone seems as though they are in a rush to get somewhere. From speed walking pedestrians, fast cars, scooters zooming past, and bikers ringing their bells for you to get out of the way, it feels as though we should join in the rush to get somewhere important. All polite norms are absent here in China...there are no spots in line and you can forget about personal space. And I am not sure why the streets even have painted lines for traffic, those are completely ignored. Except for the major highways, you can expect a two lane road to have at least three cars beside each other... honking at one another to let the other know they are there or telling them to move out of the way. I rarely see blinkers used, laying on the horn for a good while is their way of changing lanes. The constant honking is a reminder for us pedestrians to move out of the way quick or we will get run over! The locals seem oblivious to the honking and buses whirring by within inches...Hunter and I seem to be the only ones afraid of getting side swiped. The atmosphere gives the impression that you are in a race everywhere you go. We always seem to find ourselves in large crowds or lines and people are not afraid to push you, cut in line, or race for that coveted spot on the subway. If you want something here in China, you better get ready to fight for it! 

We have had quite a few awkward encounters with locals. They giggle at us quite a bit due to our lack of Mandarin speaking abilities and because they have no idea what we are saying when we speak English. We are also not used to the restaurant waiters/waitresses and shop keepers breathing down our necks as soon as we walk in. If you go to a restaurant, the waiter will stand and wait within inches of you, anxiously awaiting your order. It is really awkward and hard for Hunter and I not to laugh. The shop keepers do the same thing...everywhere you walk in the store, there is someone hovering right there...watching your every move.

The streets are fun to walk down and soak up all the activity. Street vendors are common and you can find unique shops in every direction. Random objects are sold left and right...you can buy anything from milk boxes (yes, like a juice box but milk), fruit, irregular handmade objects, toys, gadgets, and clothing. Another interesting site is right outside our hotel window. There is what appears to be a small park and every morning people are walking around the circle or exercising in some way. I thought the park had a playground but it turns out there are a bunch of different contraptions for working out. We can see old men doing pull ups or elliptical-esque workouts. There are also women exercising in groups outside. It looks like it may be a class but I am not sure. They play music and dance. Another odd thing they do is stand and slap different parts of their bodies. They just repeatedly slap anything from their legs and stomachs, to their butts and back.  I went for a jog around this little circle and definitely got a few stares. I guess I need to get used to that.

I am already starting to miss silly things like oatmeal...and fresh vegetables. A lot of the food we have been eating is probably what is considered local fast food. It consists of a lot of rice, noodles, and sauces. One interesting meal was roasted goose! I had to peel off a lot of fat and dig through bone but it tasted alright. I am ready for a place to call home and some good home cooked food from a local farmers market. Anyway, we still have quite a few days here in Beijing so that wish will have to wait! I am hoping Hunter and I will be able to visit the Great Wall of China at some point this week.

Anyway...till next time!

Chelsea

This is the view right outside our hotel.




I loved these paintings along the walkway in a park right by the Forbidden City.

Really happy to find a Starbucks!

Interesting statues outside the Olympic stadium.

 Roasted goose with rice and mushroom soup!






Hunter enjoying some local cuisine.

 Forbidden City! It was huge. Lots of walking in the heat...

So we had to take several breaks. Hunter and I have been mistaken for Russians a few times...I guess it is the dark hair and China's close proximity to Russia.

The Forbidden City was beautiful and worth all the walking!