Beijing Travel Bug

I’m not actually familiar with Papa John’s Pizza at first. I thought it’s just another pizza store. As I research, I saw that it’s actually a franchise from the United States orginating from Indiana.

I discovered this in Beijing from a friend who recommended it for its variety of flavor. But what I remembered most is the pizza crust. I’m very particular with pizza crust, I often throw this part away if it’s too thick or starchy. We ordered this one for our friend’s surprise party that time. It’s a must to reheat this though when it becomes cold.

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I saw the Frozen Grand Central
which facinated me so much. Imagine people suddenly stopping and you feel like there might be something wrong! Cool right??

And last April Fool in Beijing, they also orchestrated the same thing! The location in Beijing was Jianwai Soho on April Fool’s Day..perfect way to celebrate the day!

You can watch the Beijing version here

I saw the article from TBJ Blog with really nice photos! Enjoy!

Quan Ju De equates to PEKING DUCK in Beijing. The brand had survived 100 years already in China and still going strong. With branches sprouting everywhere in Beijing and also supermarket brands (pre-packed Peking duck), you can say Quan Ju De had become a household brand for most Chinese.

I remember my friend told me the name of this restaurant, I had a hard time remembering how to pronounce it. I think I asked him more than thrice when we were still in Beijing. And finally after eating there, my tongue became accustomed to the name.

Do you have the feeling that when it’s quite famous already, it will lose its luster and might be overrated afterall? Well, in this case, it isn’t like that. I honestly think that this is the best Peking Duck from all the ones I’ve tried. Succulently tasty, the duck’s skin is shiny and fatty for my taste. I prefer this than Da Dong’s dry crispy skin. I want oily! Price is reasonable for me. Probably around 40rmb per person for ala carte but now, I heard Beijing’s food prices have gone up!

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I’m not really keen with Olympics when I was younger. I just know that the whole concept of Olympic games came from Greeks. I’m more facinated with history than sports and I know this Olympics 2008 in Beijing is history in the making. Starting with much controversy, first with Steven Spielberg pulling out from as artistic advisor for the Beijing Olympics and also the recent protest for Tibet’s freedom from China’s hold. Also the longest Olympics torch relay ever!

The much anticipated torch relay started last March 24, 2008 and it will last 130 days. It will be passed in the five continients featuring important people, cultural heritage, sceneries to emphasize the theme of the Olympics which is “One World One Dream”.

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will traverse the longest distance, cover the greatest area and include the largest number of people, according to plans released tonight during a grand ceremony held in the China Millennium Monument in Beijing by BOCOG, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of XXIX Olympiad.-Source: China Daily

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Xijiao Hotel is one of the hotels near Haidian district. Walking distance from BLCU, you can opt to stay here if you want to walk around Wudaokou for a short while. This hotel is quite convenient and clean but not that great. It’s probably a three-four star hotel if I remember correctly. There’s a bowling place right beside the hotel and also swimming pool area inside. On the third floor of the activity buiding of Xijiao Hotel, there’s a store selling DVD’s which is cheap plus you can check if it’s working.

Though this is not the cheapest around the area, I feel that this one is quite value for money (for the quality of room facilities).

Here’s the address and phone number: not sure if it is updated though

Add: No.18 Wangzhuang Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China
P.C: 100083
Tel: 86-10 62322288
Fax: 86-10 62311142
E-mail:Public@xijiao-hotel.com.cn

You can also reserve through here:

It’s rare nowadays that we see people living in a completely different cultural society. Being cosmopolitan is the way of life in this century. However, if we set aside patronizing the liberated modern world, we can see ultimately unique people still existing amongst themselves.

Well, I caught a glimpse of ethnic minority in China. Surprisingly, challenging my ignorance on this subject, I was able to experience first hand on some traditions of these people. I’m not quite sure though what’s the name of their group because I’ve googled this and according to China Culture:

As one of the largest provinces, Sichuan has more than 15 minority groups living with the Han people. Among these are the Yi, Hui, Tibetan and Miao peoples. Each of these minorities has its own charm, ethnic style and folk custom.

I was amazed on how they preserve their culture. They also look quite different than Chinese people in the city. I guess having a long history before has influence mixed breeding. In my opinion, some women here are really pretty. They have bigger eyes than the usual almond eyes Chinese (me included).
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SarangBang is one of my favorite Korean restaurants in Beijing. I first experience this quite authentic Korean cuisine during my trip with friends a year before I went to study in BLCU. The spicy food complimented the cold autumn weather.

Back in the old days, I had learn to love to Korean food when I was still in Manila, there was a really old Korean restaurant we often visit more than twice a month (it’s called Korean Village). I didn’t mind smelling like food (because of grilling by ourselves) after blissful dinner. I grow to love kimchi which I avoided years back.

But I didn’t expect Korean cuisine could get even better! (I sound like an advertisement already!) My friend J taught us the know-hows of eating Korean style in Beijing. There are quite a number of appetizers and sauces to mix together. You’ll get to love mixing rice with everything when you get used to the spicy-ness. Be ready to get your hands dirty! Wrapping everything (meat, appetizer, kimchi, sauces etc) with lettuce is a must try!
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