Becoming Beijing Betty

Beijing is unlike any city I have ever visited. It is a juxtaposition of ancient relics and contemporary architectural wonders.











There is a surge of humanity at every turn, waves of people toting pastel sun parasols that double as umbrellas in the late afternoons when monsoon-like droplets pelt the city in unrelenting sheets of sideways rain.

Had Josh not been a full head and shoulders above the crowd I would have repeatedly lost him. Had no one else in Beijing (or any of our encounters in China for that matter) possessed my leopard print sun/rain parasol cum umbrella, he would have repeatedly lost me too.

Sight-seeing is not for the faint of heart in Beijing, especially during the school recess period, as tens of thousands of extra little bodies, accompanied by their parents and grandparents, descend on all the major historic sites.

Had I too taken a 68 hour train ride to Beijing from some remote Southern village, I may have become more adept at viciously elbowing and pushing my way to the front of every crowd to ensure my 6 second photo-op in front of all the guide book offerings was properly captured.

Indeed, not only is it de rigeur to have your photo taken at important monuments, but the value of your photos is increased if you can find a tall Westerner to pose with you.

Not only did Josh's height delight tourists and locals, but his feet were also much hyped at open-markets and department stores alike.









































Bartering at the Pearl Market.



































Olympic Watercube


















Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium