I like the alleys (胡同) of Beijing. I like finding my way with a map. I like fitting in where I can. I where my cotton-padded boots (棉鞋) to go along with my cotton-padded jacket (棉襖), I rock a beard and people think I’m from Xinjiang (新疆). I like bicycles. I like the oh so many varieties of bǐng (餅) that there are. I like how almost every day is a sunny day here. I don’t like the dry air but that’s another story.

father and daughter step outside for a game of dodgeball

bicycles in the alley, on the corner w/cotton-padded boots

finding my way through the alleyways of Beijing

in the middle of old beijing, Dongsi (東四), where the legendary 王咪 lives

Is it funny that when I was thinking of home I started to think about the foods I missed and made a list of them. My friend laughed at me. I think it’s cool. The funny thing is that most of the food I miss is junk food. Can’t get any good ice cream here. Häagen-Dazs is too expensive, besides I like Breyers mint chocolate chip the best. Pancakes! Please! When I get home I’m going to eat at Pancakes and Things, the local breakfast joint near my house, with my parents. Cereal…as you can see below I can scratch that off the list. I went to a different supermarket and saw Cheerios on sale. I couldn’t help but buy a box. But after one little bowl half the box was gone. I do love cereal. It was my staple food growing up. When I was little I made a song about it too. This bowl had bananas, walnuts and honey added to it. YUM…30 days and I’ll be home.

司馬台長城。2007年12月30日。。喜歡登高望遠
[enjoying the view from atop the Great Wall at Simatai..]