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that's because i couldn't see anything from the airplane window, the haze was so unbelievably thick! i remember thinking to myself, "wow, the cloud cover is extensive today, can't wait for the plane to go below it so i can see the city from the air."
two seconds later, the plane touched down.
the haze wrapped the city in mystery, making the experience of seeing everything i learned about in my architectural history lessons even more surreal.
it also made me cough a lot.
i didn't see the sun the whole time i was there, it even drizzled quite a bit.
the ring road scheme is more distinct than the grids of recent western US cities but still confuses.
it was crowded everywhere, you could really tell over a sixth of the world's population was right beside you.
there were construction sites all around.
and yet, something about this cradle of civilization jumped out at me from the very moment i stepped out of the airport and into the haze. the 5000 years of history were calling to me from between its massive new buildings even before i glimpsed the forbidden city.
i fell in love with beijing! instantly!
Reviews (4)
a good 2-star hotel very near wangfujing...
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nice and clean room/bathroom. $42 (344 RMB) for a standard room, well worth the price considering its excellent... more travel advice
HONEST TAXI DRIVER IN BEIJING
Transportation
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if you're looking for an honest taxi driver once you get to beijing, get in touch with yao jun. when he took me to the... more travel advice
THE BEST STORE IN SANLITUN
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if you're shopping at sanlitun, make sure you visit store #2032 - that's store #32 on the 2nd floor. look for yang yun,... more travel advice
BOILED CATFISH IN CHILLY OIL: MUST TRY!
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great food and ambiance! unfortunately, they didn't accept my visa gold card, or any other credit card i had - why? i... more travel advice
mavl's Related Pages
Beijing Travel Guide
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Comments (15)
Miko - what a great page on Beijing! I wouldn't be able to write as much as you did. Interesting observations. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed China tips...I will have to find Yan Yung ? and persuade her I am better looking than you, hehe...I think they did not accept your credit card coz they don't have a "machine" -- some restaurants I saw, the machine was not working....Norman :)
hi miko. thank you for the thoughful tips.
Good Beijing page, we fell in love with Beijing as well...although, the "boiled catfish" thingy migt be a pass...
Hi thanks for your visit to Marrakech - let me know when youre ready to head there and i can help if you want.Nice pics on yr main pg here - i loved Beijing too - was here in icey mid winter which was another lovely look.
Who are the ladies?
Could you please send that taxi driver to Athens:):)?
Ni hao ma :) --- well, I am not officially homeless - a nomad so to speak and living true to my gipsy blood (no not in a caravan haha)... have a good Sunday - and IT IS way passed your bedtime ;) zzzzzzzzzzz
Why didn't I read your cab driver tip a couple of months earlier?! Would've saved us some time and money! But I'll use it next time. Thanks in advance! :-)
I called the cab driver and he is surprised and grateful for your posting. Through it, he has had bookings from many who came across your booking. He wants to say thanks. You're right, he is a good guy.
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