The things I love about Beijing

Weather: mildish
Temp: 0 to 10
Exchange rate: RMB1 =R1,45
ROAR: a tiger on a wall somewhere.

Yesterday I went to the Mu Xi Yuan Shi Chang fabric market. It's in the south and quite a mission for me to get there, but worth it. I have never seen so much bedding fabric in my life. It wasn't the best day to be out and about - it was cold and miserable with rain and although I expected something else, the market was still interesting, with some nice fabrics, but you really had to work through a lot of unpretty fabric to get to the good stuff.

I found this site burdastyle.com which gives away free sewing patterns etc, so bought fabric for a dress, which I hope to make over the weekend. Frikkie is on a hectic deadline and I'm guess it will just be me and the cats at home this weekend so I'll have time to sew.

I also got to thinking yesterday about the things that I love about living in Beijing. So here goes: discovering new places all the time, super-fast internet, the different kinds of Chinese food, friendly taxi drivers who help me with my Mandarin pronunciation, going to the flower markets, going to the fruit and veg market, not having to drive anywhere, having a bike, playing badminton, my students who give me some insight into modern Chinese society, making new friends (albeit slowly)...

My birthday present finally arrived yesterday. Yes, a little late, but Chinese customs wouldn't release it for some reason. My friend Nolene introduced me to Charles and Marie and I love checking out all the beautiful things people create. Frikkie has obviously been paying attention and I LOVE my present. The rings are a little small though, so will have to send them back and get a bigger size. Sigh - more waiting :-(