Blogging Again...

It’s been awhile since I updated my blog.  Lately, I’ve been so busy that I haven’t found time to sit in front of my computer and type for fun. I remember those nights when I used to sit at my desk at the SP apartment, play music in the background, and blog.  Back then, I didn’t have a lot of friends in Beijing, so blogging was a way for me to find comfort in my solitude, reflect and try to make sense of my experiences here.  Although it wasn’t always fun, I actually cherish those moments when I did have time to sit back and reflect.

Summer flew by this year.  It started off with a jam-packed month of World Cup fever.  A bunch of us entered a fantasy World Cup league, using it as an excuse to get together, but also get excited about the games.  I was never much of a soccer fan, but all of a sudden, with money involved (100 RMB), I had a vested interest in the teams and the ear-splitting vuvuzelas.  

My family and I met up for a short reunion in Hong Kong during the Dragon Boat Festival.  We gobbled up all sorts of food as we explored the city – roast goose at Yung Kee, fresh seafood at Lei Yu Man, vegetarian at Lantau Island, and of course mango pudding off the streets. I caught up with my girlies LW and Gilligan and bid adieu to my family as they journeyed southward to Vietnam.

MC came to Beijing for music camp in August.  She started off plucking the guzheng at our apartment, then concluded with a concert at the National Orchestra Hall near the Bird’s Nest.  We took short excursions to nearby ancient village Cuandixia and climbed up the steps of the Bell and Drum Towers.

This summer was also slightly bittersweet.  True to expat life, a bunch of my friends moved out of the Jing to continue their journeys in other parts of the world.  I have to admit, it’s a little sad because they all  coincidentally left at once, but such is the life of an expat, and this is what keeps our lives interesting.  Plus I now have an expanded network in other countries, which is pretty freakin’ cool.

Then something happened last week, which unfortunately brought back some unhappy memories.  I’ve moved on for the most part, but I guess small events can sometimes trigger your emotions and haunt you a little (don’t worry, I’m totally fine).  Instead of making plans and going out and about, I’d rather be a hermit tonight and stay in with my sentimental self.

So while I’m retreating and reflecting (and healing), I shall once again, play music in the background, pull up the screen and blog.

World Cup Fever!

Muhaha

Best picture of the night :)

Lei Yu Man

Happy July 4th!

Cuandixia

One of my favorite shots this summer

Girls dinner

MC's concert

Like mother like daughter?

MC and her campmates

Tea and Chinese desserts at Lao She Teahouse

Night shot of Qianmen

Lunch at Saveurs de Coree at NLGX

Drum Tower

Appearing pensive...

Last dinner at 北平楼 (BeiPing Lou)

Roommates at DSST