Weekending!

So much to do and so little time!

My life in Beijing has been gleefully busy. 

Here's a look at this weekend:

Friday night a group of us formed a bike gang and rode to Lake Roma for drinks and delicious vegetarian eats.  I adored this gem of a place, just a quick bike ride from work and home.  A lovely spot with quaint bars, restaurants and...of course Roma Lake, a scummy reservoir.  Scum or no scum, it doesn't bother me as long as I don't have to swim in it.  

Saturday was filled with the 798 Art District...an area of Beijing the size of Ashland packed with people, little shops, tons of statues, small alleyways, and generally bad art.

Matt and I all locked up with nothing to do but perch.

Keith, LauLa (my name in Chinese), Stacie

Today, Sunday, I met up with Lauren, another first grade teacher and went for a "foot rub"...a 1-hour long foot massage for $15.  Who could resist?! Afterwards we went to Starbuck's...the first time I've been in over 4 weeks!  Lordy lordy, it's been a loooong time.  I was elated to find a metal coffee mug, I packed mine away in Oregon and have been singing the blues ever since.  I saw this and snatched it up!  It's exactly like my favorite one back home.  So great!

I'm not ashamed!  High fives for Starbuck's!

I concluded my wonderful weekend in preparation for Shawn's birthday, Tuesday.  I went to Jenny Wang's the local grocery spot and bought a bouquet for him...it didn't fit in my bike basket, so I had to carry it.  Lauren thought it was quite the feat...I was rather impressed with my bike riding as well.  I only lost one bouquet adorning frond! Not so bad considering it was a 25 minute ride home.