Today it really sunk in. I am living in China. Dad left around five this morning to catch his 8 am flight. I was half asleep when he left so to wake up in my apartment alone was weird, especially since we’ve been together constantly for the past two weeks. I’m pretty sure I woke up and my thought process went something like this, “Whaaat?? Dad’s gone! Cool, I can’t believe I’m living here. (Insert expletive here) I am alone in China!”

My first day alone in Beijing meant finding my way around. What better way to explore the city than by taking pictures? I walked down the main road and passed Gongqing Park. When Dad and I first got to Beijing this park was nowhere near finished. Men are literally working 24/7 to make sure the park is finished in time for the holiday on October 1. When I went to the park, crews were finalizing park details. Men swept leaves, planted flowers and polished the statues. Gongqing Park is massive. It runs along the river and has a nice walking path. I am pumped, I now have a dedicated running path! Running/dodging people on the sidewalks is nuts and a little too cross-country for me. The park also has fountains and statues everywhere. It’s very tranquil. My favorite statue is the white boat with the sails. The attention to detail is spectacular. There are seating areas everywhere, but I guess that’s necessary in a city with 20 million people. I can’t think of a park in the U.S. that compares to this.

After 200 and something pictures, I needed to run errands. In the States I loathe Wal-Mart. I avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart is the only store in Beijing I can count on to have what I’m looking for. Plus it’s within walking distance of my apartment. Wal-Mart in Beijing isn’t like the Wal-Mart’s at home. For starters, this Wal-Mart is underground. It’s under a shopping mall, so one can easily get distracted when running to the store for just a few items. The employees here actually help you, some are a little too eager to help you. This Wal-Mart is a superstore and it is super. All the food is Asian food. Obviously. They have lots of rice, noodles, dried veggies, cooking oils and seasonings, dried milk products and moon cakes. I could wander around this store for hours. They have everything from amazing produce, a stocked liquor selection and food samples to pets and live sea food. You can buy live eel, crab and flounder! The prices were pretty reasonable too. I probably looked like a weirdo taking pictures in Wal-Mart but whatever.

I walked home from Wal-Mart with my bag stuffed. On my way to my apartment I stopped by a local vendor selling veggies and fruit. I purchased grapes, apples, pears and green beans. My total came to 14 RMB or $2.

Walking home I felt a sense of independence. Everyone I meet will know me for me, not the things they may have heard about me. The language barrier is overwhelming, I might be lonely and I miss my friends, but I can do this. Bring it on.

♥ BB

This morning Dad took the train to An-yang for work. He needed to visit the factory where his model airplanes are made. Even with high speed trains it still takes three hours to get to An-yang. Because of the long travel hours, I chose to stay behind in Beijing and relax. I planned to spend the whole day walking around taking pictures. Mission accomplished.

I started my morning with Starbucks. One of the first restaurant terms I learned was Starbucks. In China Starbucks is pronounced “Xing Ba Ke.” The sign on the door reads “Xing Ba Ke Ka Fei,” or Starbucks Coffee. Thank God there are three Starbucks within walking distance of my apartment. Unfortunately, the Starbucks in China do not have white or carmel mochas. I tried to order a carmel mocha and the guy working told me it would be too sweet. Duh. I asked him if he could please add carmel sauce anyway. He seemed confused but made the drink. I instantly felt a little closer to home.

While sipping on my coffee I wandered down to the art district by my potential office and apartment. I wanted to get pictures of this cool ship made out of old Chinese farm tools. There is also a huge graffiti wall with art from various artists around Beijing. My second day in Beijing I saw models having a photo shoot in front of the wall. I thought the colors would look great for pictures.

I also noticed a film crew outside the art museum. They had lights, sound equipment, trucks, backdrops and other miscellaneous stuff set up. Judging by the brand new AUDI in front of the backdrop, it looked like they were filming a commercial. Other people I talked to said they might be filming a movie. I’m not sure who the actors were. One was an attractive Chinese man and the other was a gorgeous, tall Chinese woman with long, black hair. Both had on business attire. I can’t believe this is the area I might be working in. Talk about opportunities.

After a few hours of exploring and picture taking I needed food. My dad and I ate at a delicious noodle restaurant the night before and I wanted to go back to try another dish. I ordered a bowl of thick homemade noodles with veggies, two biscuits and a Sprite. My total tab came to 23 RMB, or about $4.25. I have a feeling I will be eating here a lot if I live in Beijing. No place in the States compares to this.

The city lights are spectacular. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to take more pictures. I turned down the ISO on my camera and got some neat shots of the traffic zipping by. I wish I’d brought my tripod because it was hard to stay still for so long. Oh well, a few shots still turned out. I also went back to the art museum to take pictures of the silver statues. Apparently these statues were done by a famous artist and they are a big deal in Beijing. I hope to get more pictures of the statues in daylight. There are 16 statues total and they have a variety of poses. On my way back to the hotel I passed an authentic Chinese restaurant. The sign and traditional Chinese lanterns really popped against the darkness. If I end up in Beijing, I’ll probably take pictures like a maniac. Everywhere I look is a picture opportunity. I’m the üuber tourist with my Nikon D-60, Levi’s and Nikes. What a stereotype.

China rocks. Beijing rocks. I have barely begun my exploration of the country and I can’t wait to see more. Check back for updates!

♥ BB