Do you want to be on TV?

While having a late (which has been common for us while here) breakfast at the Passby Bar we were asked if we would mind being interviewed for Chinese TV. The wanted us to say how GREAT Beijing is so all the domestic tourists will come. Fortunately, Gabe decided it was too early for that kind of shenanigans. The 5-minute interview he was after turned into a half-hour ordeal for the couple next to us.

With no more big ticket items left on list we abled from breakfast, via custard, to skewered meat, via shops, to Beihai Lake park. More rain that turned out to be sunshine, accompanied by strong wind to clear away the smog, meant we could see the mountains in the distance from the top of the hill (home to the dominating White Dagoba temple-like thing). We also got a great view over the Forbidden City.

We fitted in some more shopping (this time successfully making purchases!) before dinner at an amazing vegetarian restaurant run by monks. There was fake meat on the menu, but also an amazing range of fungus, nuts, and roots. We then made up for the fact that they didn't serve alcohol by heading for the roof-top Q-Bar and downing some martinis and margaritas. As one of the few funky bars in town, it attracts a lot of expats. I chatted to a south african chinese, a peruvian american and an indonesian. All were here to learn Chinese as well as pursue their careers. All were planning to stay a few years.