Moving on up

Weather: windy and smoggy
Temp: 0-13
Exchange rate: RMB1 = R1,48
Days left in kitty prison: 14
Room with a view: the view from our new lounge. It may not look like much at day, but in the evenings it's magical.

Yesterday we moved into the apartment we will call home for the next 12 months. Hoorah! We were like two bag ladies moving our stuff in two shopping trolleys. Ok, I was like a bag lady, Frikkie looked all manly and strong and carried the heavy stuff. Our new apartment is still in the Phoenix complex where we've been living since September, but we moved to a different apartment block. We've also moved up in the world: from the 25th floor to the 29th floor. The views are pretty awesome. And the biggest plus is that we have two balconies. Our immediate shopping list includes a small table and two chair so we can have our morning tea outside. We also have two bedrooms now, so come on over and visit - there's plenty of space.

Speaking of space, the beds in the apartment are gi-normous. I "went looking" for Frikkie several times during the night cause I thought he wasn't sleeping next to me anymore... Our queen size duvet looks like it shrunk in the wash and I'm not even sure a king size will be big enough. And true to the Chinese standard the mattress is just slightly softer than a slab of concrete. The term "firm mattress" has a whole new level of firmness in China. I'm sure tonight we'll sleep like babies. Frikkie also nearly had an apoplectic fit after looking at the peach-coloured curtains for too long. Yes, architects live in a very special world... Needless to say they have to go, the debate is now just what is going to replace them.

Today in two weeks I will go to fetch the kitties. It feels like it's taking forever.

I will be spring cleaning a bit and then tonight I'm going to a cooking glass to learn how to make dumplings. I'm super excited about it - dumplings is one of my favourite things to eat in Beijing and I can't wait to start making them at home.

Also on the horizon this week is an interview with an employment agency on Wednesday. Hold thumbs that they have positions available that I qualify for.