Union station, LA

Here's the inside of Union Station, LA, quite a nice and cozy train station. I was waiting for the LA - San Diego train.

Stopover in Tokyo airport

On the flight from HK to San Diego, I had 2hrs in Tokyo airport. Just enough time for lunch!


Hamburger steak set - Japanese love to eat a grilled hamburger patty with rice. I love it too, especially with the egg on top!


This must be the poshest looking airport smoking lounge in the world.

Great Wall - Mutianyu 长城－慕田峪

Last month my friend Christy visited Beijing and we went on a hike to the Mutianyu Great Wall 慕田峪. The Great Wall is split into many sections around northern China. Mutianyu is one of the most accessable, only about 2hrs north of Beijing. As this section is so easy to get to, it is also the most popular (other than Badaling section) and hence is very well maintained.


The Wall is nestled among the tress all wearing their fall colors.


A group of school boys on a field trip taking a break under the golden trees.


Watchtowers are spaced out along the wall. We hiked along 5 watch towers following the contour of the mountain. There were some steep sections but as the steps were so well maintained it was not difficult.


Christy taking on the Great Wall.


Looking out from a watchtower. As we went on a weekday not many tourists were there.


Me and Denis at the top of the watchtower.


Beautiful fall leaves.


Only 3:30pm and the moon is already out!

Taking a break 休息休息

Reason for lack of updates: I'm now back in HK getting ready for my trip to the states....in the meantime enjoy these cute kitties! (seen sun bathing in Beijing University 北大）

Vehicles: more bikes!

Bikes are still the most common mode of transport in Beijing - Tsinghua University 清华大学 campus.

BEIJING TIP: websites to help you survive & navigate the city

Here are a list of sites I have been using to help me survive in this city:

http://ditu.google.cn/maps
The indispensable google map....this map has everything, whether you are looking for restaurants, stores, banks, gas stations, you get the idea. Sorry only chinese, the english version of googlemap Beijing sucks.

http://www.thebeijinger.com/
http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/
Local expat sites for everything that's going on around the city every week. Check the forums for tonnes of tips like where to shop, dentists, employment, where to find thanksgiving dinner...

http://beijingexpert.com/
English blog with lots of info on restaurants

http://www.dianping.com/
http://beijing.fantong.com/
Chinese restaurant review sites, each with thousands of opinions and ratings.

http://www.qunar.com/
Looking to buy airline tickets in China? This is a must check! It's not a travel agency, instead its cutting edge airfare aggregator gives you a list of all the different airfares from airlines and agencies at any one time + a link to purchase the ticket. A very cool site!

3rd visit to 798

Made another visit to super-modern art zone 798, this time I took more pics. For you artsy folks you can read more about my last visit to the area and its background. Click on the pics to enlarge.


This sculpture makes a powerful statement.


Massive freaky painting....all the faces are eyeless!


Fashion display by I.T.


BJers enjoying the funky sculptures


These massive warehouses are a great space for art.


An industrial feeling permeates 798


Inside the warehouse, these glowing cubes displayed all kinds of funky products.


Muji display


Now this was the weirdest installation of the day. From a pitch black room we walk through a door and lo and behold: a small black child playing in the dirt & straw with a fake vulture in the background (his mom is sitting to the side keeping an eye on him). WTF??

Obviously it's copied, I mean inspired by this incredible photo by Kevin Carter. Sometimes modern art is really hit or miss.


More funny sculptures