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1 Jul 06 - 9 Jul 06 Pg 10 |
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We
have done what we have targeted to visit in Beijing and
there's only 1 highlight left: Beijing Roast Duck (the mere
thought of it causes my stomach to growl). The venue: Quanjude
Qianmen Roast Duck Restaurant. When they served our roast
duck (RMB70/serving), underneath the nice golden brown structure,
we noticed there was a THICK THICK layer of fat (the ducks
are specifically reared for this by force-feeding them with
food at 6-hourly intervals). Coupled with lotus-shaped pancakes,
duck broth and a sweet sauce, it was
a "gastronomical" delight (animal activist will
hate me for making this comment)!
As Beijing prepares for the greatest show on earth, our
trip was coming to an end. While we explored the capital,
heavy construction (or "renovation" if you would
like to call it) was happening day and night, literally.
There is simply no time for rest as the redevelopment plans
goes full steam ahead. The 2008 Olympics will definitely
set it to all-time new heights. But then again, will the
old lady choke from all these? Will it be at a large expense
of the original Beijing's spirit, the historical sites,
the Hutongs, the narrow walkways, the Siheyuans...? I don't
know, I really don't.
This
was my summer in Beijing. To you, it may just be another
10 pages of travel experiences. To me, they definitely meant
more than that (words can't describe it). Although it didn't
always go as planned (but wait, do I even plan in the first
place?), the cock-ups brought me down to earth. I still
feel guilty about making my mum do a 30-hour no rest journey
to Qingdao from Singapore. I would never have forgiven myself
if something really happened. But still, I would have done
it if I were alone (not with mum though). I wondered if
I ever get another chance to visit Beijing again (the capital
of China has always been my dream work destination). But
then again, does it ever matters? |
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Dinner
along Dazhalan Jie. We had fried rice noodles with potatoes,
meat on skewers, Hunan Mala Tang (Hot and Spicy Soup). And
as always, well accompanied by a Yanjing. |
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An
evening in Beijing. Took this picture when I was jaywalking. |
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The authentic
Xinjiang Yangrou Chuan (mutton on skewers), sprinkled with
chilli powder. I ate it (RMB1/skewer) just down the street
and it tasted so much better than those prepared by the
Chinese. Accompanied by a Yanjing (RMB2/bottle). |
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An Ughyur
restaurant near my hotel. The sign on the top left hand
corner is the Chinese character "chuan" (meaning
skewers). When we walked by every night, the fragrance can
be sensed afar from the preparation of the meat skewers.
Strangely enough, although Halal food is served, beer is
commonly served as well.
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A man preparing
the Yangruo Chuan. By alternating the fatty and lean meat
on the skewer (so that it doesn't taste too fatty or lean),
a chewy bite is achieved. |
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One of
the many public toilets in Beijing. Quite a necessity because
some of the houses in Hutongs has no toilets. Don't think
there is any flushing system. I seen some toilets where
there are no segregation between cubicles: I suppose this
makes communications easier.
And yes, please use your
own tissue paper after the deed is done. There are none.
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A naked
boy running along a Hutong street while the grandma chases
- Scenes from the Old Beijing |
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An empty
bed by the side of the walkway. The picture on the wall
depicts harmony among the residents. |
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THAT is
the amount of fat that was left after my Beijing Roast Duck
meal (see above for more Beijing ducky tales). |
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5.52pm,
8 Aug 06. Shuttle bus from Xidan to Beijing Shuodu Airport.
People were rushing out to play on a Saturday evening. We
were going home though. |
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Pg 9 |
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