A quick diary entry as we just lost the creative genius of Laura and Ruth...
Had torrential rain for several hours this morning, and it was so dark that we felt like we had woken up in the middle fo the night. In the space of about 1 hr the roads were flooded and we were wading in ankle deep water! So spent the morning shopping at the indoor silk market - 6 floors of shopping! This was definately an experienceas the vendors were fairly agressive and we had to bargain hard. Laura got a great bargain as did Charlotte and managed to get goods for about a fifth of the asking price! Tons of silk stalls, arts and crafts, fake designer stuff, tea and anything else that could pass as chinese!
Then experienced chinese fast food for lunch - wierd experience as you ordered from a waitress and then waited about 5 mins for it to arrive at the table. And it cost all of 80p for a bowl of rice.
Experienced the subway which was a dream - totally empty and clean and very easy to use. Made it to Behei Park where we hired some boats and enjoyed the lake. Laura made up a wee song that she couldn't stop singing - battery boats n' peddaly boats n' ricketyshaws n' ricketyboats n' peddalyshaws.We were serenaded all afternoon and evening. And she nearly rammed our boat at the same time! She definately needs a few driving lessons....
Rounded the day off wondering around the hutongs - these are the historic traditional living areas, made up of loads of small one storey buildings around courtyards, narrow alleyways and lots of people crammed together...Also got in a rickshaw just to experience it!
Had our last meal out together in a typical chinese restaurant. Very cheap - less than £10 for everyone and delicious. Aubergine, bamboo shoots, corn muffins, sweet and sour pork, our favourite chicken and peanut dish...All in all a great last day.
Lotus flower - valentines day
Favourite waiter
Street scenes
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