Beijing has been an interesting place to visit, and there have been many cultural and historical lessons. The major highlight was walking along the Great Wall. Plus, eating all the food, my new fave Chinese dish is beef in spicy broth. Delish!
We’ve been lucky with the weather and also the lack of smog during our visit. We learnt that smog has been improving since the factories were moved outside the city, and restrictions on car usage/ownership were introduced to try to clean the air prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
It has been fascinating to learn more about the Chinese culture, their many beliefs and superstitions, their tea ceremonies, and other historical traditions. Won’t miss their crazy driving though. I’m also not going to miss all the smokers or whether I can flush paper down the toilet. On that note, I’m really looking forward to normal toilets, I will never take a nice public toilet for granted again.
I never thought I’d say this, but I’m looking forward to the gym! Other than a few ambitious attempts to run in week one and two, there has been very little exercise and I’m feeling it. I will miss the weather! The sunshine, as usual, has done wonders for my health and happiness.
Most of all I’ll miss my family and I really hope I don’t have to wait another 5 years until we’re all together!
Time to settle back in to Auckland life and find some warmer clothes!
Home to my little Kala Bear, who seems quite happy to see me.
A Small Adventure 