Cold Cold Beijing

Hi peeps

I am in Beijing!!!

Yes, I am in winter Beijing where the temperatures range from -2 to -10 degrees. Having said that though, I apperantly have been blessed with very sunny days so far. The welcoming sky has been a picture perfect blue with the sun smiling out at me. I might start to mistake this to be the norm. Anywayz, Beijing is HUGE! I am still trying to get my bearings as all the large 8 lane roads look the same. Everything here is huge, from roads to skyscrapers to food servings. It is a shame I have not been actively taking pics of the many places, sights and sounds of Beijing as I have been focusing on getting the transition for the ACYLP coordinator role as the skyscrapers, the food and many other parts of the city are rather breathtaking.

I am currently not too sure how much a Chinese experience I have been having as I have been hanging out with AIESECers and expats who live the 'high' life that the normal Beijingers dun get to experience (China has one of the world's largets rich-poor gaps), e.g. movies here cost 100 yuan (AUD $18) which is ridiculous for the poorer Beijingers. On the other hand, due to western influences, Beijing has become a very cosmopolitan city, with the best of all kinds of cusine that would rival the home originals. But I believe I will be living as a one of the poor Beijingers over the next yr as the cost of living here is actually a tad similar to Singapore. Instances where is is cheaper are like taxi fares cost 10 yuan (SGD $2)! Moral of the story, become and expat with a fat pay package and you can spend to your heart's content! Hee... ...

Ok, more updates soon, just wanted to get started. Miss ya all who I am not seeing now, pls take care of yourself and may the year of the rat be a great one for you!

Joa