big footsteps across the world

Hey, sorry for the long time between posts. Hope people will still check this, haha.

Just got back from Beijing for the weekend yesterday. Had a blast!! Went with four other friends from here in Hong Kong, Judith, Nancy, Serena and Sungi. Weird to say, but I've now seen the great wall three times within the last four years. I sure am a lucky guy. Will be going back to northern China in January to visit Nick at nankai university in Tianjin. Also, most likely will stop by and see my friends at the hongqiao market. yay!!! They're really funny to hang out with, and would be fun to see them again. I will post some pictures on yahoo from Beijing. I only took 22 pictures in total, but will post some of my friends too so you can see what I've been up to. Saw a couple new things, and also some old things, but just the complete thing. After the Great Wall in the morning on Friday, we went to see one of the Ming Tombs, Emperor Ding's tomb to be specific. Was pretty cool how they found the tomb. Just accidentally discovered it one day while digging. After the long drive back to the city, we had dinner, then went clubbing!! I don't like clubbing too much, but had a good time. That was also a first for me in Beijing, and had a wonderful time. Also that night, I saw snow for the first time this year!! Kind of makes me excited to go back to Minnesota just for the snow!! The windy cold weather though makes me think differently. Talking about windy and cold, Beijing sure wasn't the hot sunny weather that I had last summer. Tianamen square walking across it was quite chilly. Luckily I had bought my nice fake north face jacket, so that kept me warm. I just wished that I had some nice gloves, but oh well. I still have all my fingers!! On Saturday, went to Tianamen square and then to the Forbidden City. We walked completely through it, which I also believe was a first for me, or maybe I just don't remember it from the first time I went to Beijing. There's a really big garden at the end of the city, which was very beautiful, even in the freezing cold. After the forbidden city, we went and ate lunch at a Peking Duck place, which was very, very good. I think since the last time I had it, my tastes have all changed, so I loved it this time (unlike the first time, didn't care for it too much). After duck, we went across the street to the Temple of heaven. I think it's easily my favorite place in Beijing. It's just a prime example of the culture of the city. Even in the bitter cold, many older Beijing residents were in the park, singing, playing cards, chess, Chinese checkers, the sort of hacky sack with a feathered object, and many other things. Just so amazing. Not only cause it was so cold, but every time I've been there, there are always people there. It's such a culture shock. We would rarely see that in the US. Most people that age are either sitting at home, watching television, or already in a nursing home. There are some elders in the US that are still very active, and I know my family is that particularly. Just, so amazing still. After walking around a bit inside the Temple grounds, (seeing many new things that I never noticed before), we went back to Hongqiao market to see my friends and buy more things!! I'm not a gigantic fan of shopping, but in Beijing, I go crazy!! Hahaha. Oh well, I don't shop much, so maybe I'm just releasing all my non-shopping build up at this awesome market. After shopping til the place closed at 7 (which seems so early), we went to this night market right near the Peninsula Palace hotel that I stayed at the other two times to Beijing. This time for some reason, I was a lot more open to eating the market food. Hmmmm, wonder why??? It was really good, although it was soooo cold, and was a bit hungry, so maybe it wasn't?? nah, don't think so. And again, made a large impact on the locals there. I had bought my jackets already, so was carrying them in this big body bag on my back, and one of the vendors saw the gigantic bag and was commenting on how it looked like I had an actual body in the bag. He then came out from behind the stand, and tried sneaking up on me to pull the bag down or something. Not sure what he was doing, maybe checking to see if there was really a body in there. Also, on the way back through, he made some lewd comment about his fried banana balls, and then also pointing at me. It was quite funny, because I couldn't figure out what he was trying to say for a minute or so. We then laughed and just walked off. After walking back to the top of the street, we hailed some cabs, and went to this hot pot place that Sungi's cousin who's studying in Beijing, had recommended. Was good, but I'm not too crazy about hot pot. Anyways, was fun meeting his cousin and her friends. After a good meal, we were exhausted and cold, so just went back to the hotel. Stayed up for a bit, then passed out. Woke up Sunday morning, a little later than expected, and took off to find the hutong. We went to Behai park, and walked around. Was soooooo cold. The wind was coming right off the lake and hitting everyone in it's path. I think it was windier sometimes than it ever is in Minnesota, coming right off the river and through the big buildings. It was really nice and peaceful though. Will have to go back there sometime, maybe in the Fall or Spring when the trees are in bloom or turning colors. Anyway, walked around the park, then went looking for this popular lamb place. Couldn't find it, so went back to the hotel, got our bags, and left for the airport. Went through customs, checked in, got a bite to eat, then got on board the plane. After a short delay, were on our way back to Hong Kong. Such a great time in Beijing once again. Can't wait to go back in January and to also see Tianjin. Will be a lot of fun.

Can't believe that my bday is coming up. Only a few more days and I turn the big 21!! Hmmm, feels strange. After my bday, once again, finals are upon us all. Studying is starting, and so is the worrying. I hope I pass all of the classes. The students here study so hard, it's weird. Oh well, back to the U of M next semester, to normal classes. Should be a nice feeling, but will really miss Hong Kong. Hopefully my friends I've made here can visit sometime, or I can come back to visit them. Would be nice to see them once again after I leave.

On another note, can't wait to get back to my own bedroom. My roommate is starting to drive me crazy, hahaha. He's really loud, and his brother who sometimes comes into the room too, is even louder. Oh well, only a little while longer. He's really nice, just loud. Also, he always likes the window open or AC on. Earlier this year, when it was somewhat warm out, he'd turn the AC on. I grew up never using the AC and the house doesn't have AC, so quite strange for me. Oh well. It's colder now in Hong Kong too. Very,very windy being here on the ocean, but not so cold you need a winter jacket. At least not for me(all the locals have theirs out). Wonder what they'd all be like up in Beijing where it's below freezing!! hahahaa. Can't imagine!! I'm starting to ramble now, so maybe time to quit writing. Again, will post some pics on Yahoo, so check that out. Hope everyone is doing well back home and see you soon!! Enjoy the holiday season if I don't talk to you individually. Take care!

Bill