Beijing Series - Wheels in Motion

Traffic congestion at Beijing especially during peak hours is legendary. Joining the Expressway from local roads meant very determined driving on the part of the taxi driver. In Beijing, a few things in a car are seldom used: wing mirrors, indicator and seat belts. In taxis, the seat cover at the back seat all but cover up the seat buckle. I've learnt not to sit at the front to spare myself of hyperventilation during the many lightning changes by the taxi driver from one lane to another. 

In Beijing, the four wheeler is king. But the two wheeler is still holding on, and there is another type of four wheeler favoured by street vendors. I hardly saw any cyclists - not surprising, since pedal power could be a dangerous game on the congested roads in Beijing.

Leather gloves and knee warmers for the biting cold.

Interesting customization, seen at 798 Art District

It turns heads, a bit

A curious adaptation

A trio of commercial motorcycles, in tip top condition

A road sweeper's cart, at the 798 Art District

Street vendors selling fast food from their customized cycles

I love this one.
A woman from a minority tending to her wares.
No one was buying.

Banks of motorcycles near Tiananmen Square

Beijing Series - Food

Food at Beijing - those that I have sampled - have been a let down. I was expecting an experience on a par with the food in Hong Kong, but nothing I've come across yet at the capital city was anywhere near the quality and excellence of those found in the thriving metroplis of Hong Kong.

The canteen food was particularly poor. Made in industrial quantities, it was produced for sustenance rather than enjoyment. Food was piled onto a plate and therefore lacking in presentation. Often the quality was sub standard: a fish dish had too many bones, a pork dish had too little meat and the meat had too much fat. The vegetarian dishes however, stood out: by far the star dish for me was the humble braised tofu, both tasty and nutritious. Even the cabbage was preferable to a fatty sliced pork dish. I had yet to try the noodles that were made on the spot, on account of the long queue.

A rib dish. It was a pile of meat, no more, no less.

The famous Peking dumplings at a restaurant.
It was difficult for me to tell the difference in the ingredients.

More of the famous Peking dumplings at the canteen,
with carrots and "wooden ears" as a side dish.
There was always a long queue and supply was not matched to demand.
Too much of one variety and not enough of another.

Certificates to prove the provenance of the ingredients used.
A sad case of food scandals in China.

My breakfast of congee, vegetables, marbled tea egg,
some peanuts and a sprinkle of pickled vegetables

A change in diet to Japanese food.
Tempura fish with egg custard and miso soup.

More Japanese food:
Udon noodles with seafood

At last, some Cantonese food!
One of the few dishes on the menu sized for the appetite of a woman.

A New Window from Beijing

Now that I have sorted out how to avoid access to Blogger being blocked by the Great Firewall of China, here are the new vistas from the hotel at the Chaoyang District, Beijing. 

When the smog descends, the air quality can be choking. That, and the lingering cigarette smell in the taxis often make the ride to and from work extremely unpleasant. Plus, one has to suspend all nervous disposition when taxi drivers and other motorists dart in and out of lanes without signalling. Use of wing mirrors and indicator is entirely optional in Beijing. I am surprised not to have come across any accident yet.

On a clear sunny day

On an average day

Smog! Smog! Smog!

On a clear evening

Fabulous Fireworks New Year 2014

Lights scatter through the sky

Sparks of life that fill the night

Colours of love fly

- Welcoming in the New Year with loved ones and friends