After the agro and hiccups I experienced in Beijing (read: stress induced crying and almost homeless-ness), I was pretty bloody excited to be going to Shanghai, especially as I had been promised that more people spoke English there. Hallelujah. I didn’t really have any expectations or preconceived ideas of Beijing but I definitely did of Shanghai so I was … More Bullet train to Shanghai: An unexpected odyssey
When I started my trip this summer, one thing I had in mind was to see where else in the world I could potentially happily live. At the top of my list I already had Hong Kong but I wanted to see if there were any other contenders out there. (This seems like an expensive way … More Beijing wrap-up: Can I live here?
I’m not a big meat eater and also rather squeamish and paranoid about getting food poisoning so this didn’t bode well when it came to finding food in Beijing. (Spoiler: I later got food poisoning in Malaysia and yes, it was as terrible as I feared). Eyes will roll but alas, I did not try … More Beijing eateries: The Opposite House and Lost Heaven
One of my favourite things about Asia is the abundance of temples. Each is unique but they all have similar mystical, ornate and historic qualities about them which I love. The detail in the roofs and gates is amazing. A number of temples are even constructed without a single nail or drop of glue!! Insane. Perhaps … More Beijing’s Yonghe Lama Temple
Before I came to China, I braced myself appropriately for the three things I knew I was guaranteed to see: An ungodly amount of spitting; Children shitting on the pavement; Insects on sticks. Lo and behold I found sight number 3 at Wangfujing Street’s food market in order to complete my Chinese cultural immersion. I’ve definitely seen … More ‘Exotic’ snacks in Wangfujing Street market
I like people spotting at the best of times (how much people spotting can you do before you’re considered a creep, I wonder) and it was one of my favourite things I did in Beijing. That either makes me sound dull as hell or Beijing really bloody boring but I’m going with neither. Anyone who’s been to China … More People spotting in Beijing’s parks
Before I even stepped foot into Tiananmen Square, I was unsure how I would feel about it. Clearly its reputation precedes it and who could forget the horror of what happened there in June 1989. That aside, it’s a significant location in Chinese history so I think I was rather obliged to visit. Walking into … More Tiananmen Square
Another foodie favourite experience of mine (I see a theme developing here) was at the Black Sesame Kitchen in 28 Zhong Lao Hutong, which is kind of walking distance from the Forbidden City. It was again one of those tucked-away places you would never mind unless you were in the know. At Black Sesame Kitchen, … More Communal wining & dining at Black Sesame Kitchen
In Beijing I of course did the one thing you have to and climbed the Great Wall of China. Well, part of it. The Mutianyu part, to be specific. (Click here to see a map and guide to the different sections). The section I visited was a restored section rather than a ‘wild’ original one … More Climbing the Great Wall of China
After the negativity of my two last posts, let’s start again on a good note. One of my two most favourite things I did in Beijing was a cooking class with a wonderful organisation called The Hutong, aptly situated in a hutong (traditional Chinese alley). The Hutong is a cultural-sharing organisation which was founded 9 … More Dumpling cooking class
Hi, I'm Emma 