29 October, 2006
28 October, 2006
27 October, 2006
The sabs
Sabres streak continues...Saturday night, they'll try to break the season opening streak held by the Leafs (they are currently tied - 10-0)
"Hottest tickets in town? Sabres expect season sellout"
I hope Buffalo breaks out the old blue & gold for Saturday night's record-breaking game.
"Hottest tickets in town? Sabres expect season sellout"
I hope Buffalo breaks out the old blue & gold for Saturday night's record-breaking game.
26 October, 2006
Blogspot (Google's Blogger) blocked in China
Well, it looks like Google's Blogger is again blocked in China. I was having some issues last night, but thought it was just temporary. I can't view any .blogspot blogs. WONDERFUL.
I think it may have to do with the recent announcement that China will require ALL bloggers to register, with REAL names. Not sure how they'll go about doing this & validating the blogger's identity, but this means all of the major blogging platforms will need to comply & make some changes...hopefully in the very near future.
Read here...
I think it may have to do with the recent announcement that China will require ALL bloggers to register, with REAL names. Not sure how they'll go about doing this & validating the blogger's identity, but this means all of the major blogging platforms will need to comply & make some changes...hopefully in the very near future.
Read here...
Lenovo Stat causing controversy
Lenovo Stat, a capability announced by Lenovo & the NBA this week, provides statistical analysis showing which five players prove to be the best combination on the court at any time during the game. I don't follow basketball, at all, but this is pretty cool. I hope a version comes out for the NHL (Lenovo also has its hands in the NHL, with the Carolina Hurricanes).
Lenovo Stat made the homepage of yahoo.com today in the US. This will likely provide some great buzz for Lenovo...people love controversy, especially when it involves some of the best athletes in the world.
"If computers ran the NBA, Shaq would be benched"
25 October, 2006
Trip cancelled
The trip to North-East China is cancelled for this week. I think we may have hit the jackpot at a couple colleges in Beijing, we'll see soon enough. If not, trip is back on for next week.
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting a review on my experiences recruiting/interviewing/hiring in China.
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be posting a review on my experiences recruiting/interviewing/hiring in China.
24 October, 2006
Happy B Day blue fellas
I grew up watching the smurfs, it was only today that I realized that my father is only 361 days older than the blue guys.
Smurfs birthday
Smurfs birthday
Thanks DUDE
So, my ride to and from work sucks. It takes a little over an hour each way. I got hooked up with a driver through a friend of mine here, I was in desperate need since I was given no assistance at all when I arrived in Beijing in terms of how I should get to work, what my options were, etc.... So, the main guy picks me up each morning at 7am, he usually doesn't pick me up from work...one of the other guys in his "circle of drivers" does.
Most of them are pretty good, they take the same way and typically try to drive fast. However, I got stuck with a guy a couple of weeks ago, who seems like he just recently learned how to drive. He takes a "short cut" which actually adds 30 minutes to the ride (I think he takes the short cut to avoid the tolls). He constantly slams on the brakes, doesn't know how to turn...I can go on & on.
Well, as I've mentioned, winter is rapidly approaching Beijing. The evenings these days are hanging around 8-10 C (high 40s/low 50s F). This is not exactly the weather in which you want to drive around with your windows down. Well, tonight, I was stuck with the shitty driver. He took the short cut & had the windows down. I don't know how to say "Please roll up the windows jackass" in Chinese, but I do know how to say "too cold" in Chinese. I tried it...he didn't understand. Tried to motion, he didn't understand. I think he understood, he just didn't care.
He's ten times worse than the worst taxi driver I've had in Beijing. Thanks DUDE.
Most of them are pretty good, they take the same way and typically try to drive fast. However, I got stuck with a guy a couple of weeks ago, who seems like he just recently learned how to drive. He takes a "short cut" which actually adds 30 minutes to the ride (I think he takes the short cut to avoid the tolls). He constantly slams on the brakes, doesn't know how to turn...I can go on & on.
Well, as I've mentioned, winter is rapidly approaching Beijing. The evenings these days are hanging around 8-10 C (high 40s/low 50s F). This is not exactly the weather in which you want to drive around with your windows down. Well, tonight, I was stuck with the shitty driver. He took the short cut & had the windows down. I don't know how to say "Please roll up the windows jackass" in Chinese, but I do know how to say "too cold" in Chinese. I tried it...he didn't understand. Tried to motion, he didn't understand. I think he understood, he just didn't care.
He's ten times worse than the worst taxi driver I've had in Beijing. Thanks DUDE.
23 October, 2006
Preferred Customer
Just about every morning, I visit the coffee shop just around the corner from Lenovo's R&D campus. I get in around 8am each day, the coffee shop doesn't open until 9am, so that kind of sucks. I'm a "regular" there. They know what I want, so I don't even have to order. Sometimes, I can spot them on the "look out" for me, if I'm not there at my usual time of 9:15am.
The two guys that work there know very little English, but I try to teach them a new word each time I visit. Simple stuff like "cool" & "awesome" ... OK, I throw in some practical words too. They play basketball & they think I do too, because I'm tall. I was brutally honest with them one morning though, and I told them basketball sucks (they had no clue that was a negative comment, because I said it with a smile). I told them I play hockey...the only description in Chinese I could give them was the word for ice. One of these mornings I'll bring my ThinkPad over and show them some NHL action on the SlingBox. I'll try to catch the Sabres (who are 8-0 at the moment).
A cup of "Coffee Americano" runs RMB 19 at this place. That's about $2.40 USD. A bit on the pricey side, especially because it's not a large cup of coffee, they only have one size. But, it's really good coffee. However, last week they started giving me a discount. The first time, it was about RMB 2 (about $.25 USD). Today however, they bumped it to RMB 4 (about $.50 USD). So, I'm now at less than 2 bucks a cup. I think it may be because I am their only customer in the mornings. Also, I think I am their only foreign customer period.
Man, I feel like a VIP today. If I keep teaching them some new words, show them some hockey & pretend to like basketball, I bet I'll get it down to RMB 10 by year's end.
The two guys that work there know very little English, but I try to teach them a new word each time I visit. Simple stuff like "cool" & "awesome" ... OK, I throw in some practical words too. They play basketball & they think I do too, because I'm tall. I was brutally honest with them one morning though, and I told them basketball sucks (they had no clue that was a negative comment, because I said it with a smile). I told them I play hockey...the only description in Chinese I could give them was the word for ice. One of these mornings I'll bring my ThinkPad over and show them some NHL action on the SlingBox. I'll try to catch the Sabres (who are 8-0 at the moment).
A cup of "Coffee Americano" runs RMB 19 at this place. That's about $2.40 USD. A bit on the pricey side, especially because it's not a large cup of coffee, they only have one size. But, it's really good coffee. However, last week they started giving me a discount. The first time, it was about RMB 2 (about $.25 USD). Today however, they bumped it to RMB 4 (about $.50 USD). So, I'm now at less than 2 bucks a cup. I think it may be because I am their only customer in the mornings. Also, I think I am their only foreign customer period.
Man, I feel like a VIP today. If I keep teaching them some new words, show them some hockey & pretend to like basketball, I bet I'll get it down to RMB 10 by year's end.
22 October, 2006
Where I'm going this week
Later in the week, I'm taking a short trip outside of Beijing, for work. I'm having a rough time finding some key language skills for my team (Japanese & Korean), so it's off to Dalian & somewhere in Jilin province (not sure of the name of the city) to locate the skills. Dalian has a large population of second generation Japanese, as well as some schools that specialize in teach Japanese. Jilin province is home to many Korean immigrants, I'm told many of which come from North Korea.I'm looking forward to it, but more than anything, I hope I find the skills I need.
Inching closer to North Korea...
Beijing Happy Valley
I had heard about some amusement parks in Beijing, but had no idea what to expect. Would it compare to places like Six Flags or Cedar Point? I doubted it...I was right.
A few weeks ago, I told a girl (LinLin) that I would take her to Beijing Happy Valley, an amusement park on the west side of Beijing that just opened this year. So, yesterday afternoon, I picked her up (in a taxi, of course) over at the Drama College of Beijing, where she attends (OK, she's 22 ... it's not that young). She is a phenomenal singer, plays some weird Chinese stringed instrument and is an aspiring actress. Her English is about as good as my Chinese...so, I'm sure you could imagine all of the in depth conversations we had throughout the day. I was quite happy though, because we only had to pull out the electronic Chinese/English dictionary one time. However, the more I have to "dummy up" my English over the next year, the more I worry what I'll sound like when I get back to the US. I can't imagine it will be too much different.
Anyway, we arrived to no lines at the ticket counter and as we walked into the gates, it seemed like we were the only ones there. I'm thinking we'd have the freedom to hit the rides within minutes...rather than hours. Boy was I wrong. As we rounded the corner to the first "ride area," I saw the masses.
I forgot to mention, this was the first time LinLin had ever been to an amusement park. She's from north-east China. All I knew was that she would try all of the rides, and wanted to go fast. First up was a roller coaster. This was one of those coasters that hangs from the track, and you ride belly-down, like you're flying. So, after standing in line for about an hour, and getting stared at every other second by the many young Chinese, we were strapped in & ready for the ride. She loved it, and now wanted to hit faster, more exciting rides (not sure if there would be any more).
We did find one ride that topped the coaster. It resembled a huge pendulum. It swayed back & forth, getting faster and higher each time. At the max height, you were just about upside down, then it would drop and swing you across to the other side. I don't think my hand had ever been gripped so hard before. It was thrilling for her, but she was a little queasy afterwards...there wouldn't be a second ride on this one for her. Like in the US, they snap pictures of the riders. I purchased one for LinLin...it was only then that I realized how bald I'm actually getting.
In all, the rides were OK...the atmosphere was very similar to parks in the US, just not as nice. They had the same cheesy games, that are almost impossible to win. The workers at the rides spoke over a loud speaker, trying to get everyone pumped up (I only knew that because people would cheer & clap). I would actually compare the atmosphere at Happy Valley to a state fair, rather than an amusement park in the US. It was a nice place though, and very clean.
It was a fun day at the park and LinLin definitely enjoyed it. It was cool to provide a new experience for her.
A few pictures from the camera phone...
The huge pendulum
A few weeks ago, I told a girl (LinLin) that I would take her to Beijing Happy Valley, an amusement park on the west side of Beijing that just opened this year. So, yesterday afternoon, I picked her up (in a taxi, of course) over at the Drama College of Beijing, where she attends (OK, she's 22 ... it's not that young). She is a phenomenal singer, plays some weird Chinese stringed instrument and is an aspiring actress. Her English is about as good as my Chinese...so, I'm sure you could imagine all of the in depth conversations we had throughout the day. I was quite happy though, because we only had to pull out the electronic Chinese/English dictionary one time. However, the more I have to "dummy up" my English over the next year, the more I worry what I'll sound like when I get back to the US. I can't imagine it will be too much different.
Anyway, we arrived to no lines at the ticket counter and as we walked into the gates, it seemed like we were the only ones there. I'm thinking we'd have the freedom to hit the rides within minutes...rather than hours. Boy was I wrong. As we rounded the corner to the first "ride area," I saw the masses.
I forgot to mention, this was the first time LinLin had ever been to an amusement park. She's from north-east China. All I knew was that she would try all of the rides, and wanted to go fast. First up was a roller coaster. This was one of those coasters that hangs from the track, and you ride belly-down, like you're flying. So, after standing in line for about an hour, and getting stared at every other second by the many young Chinese, we were strapped in & ready for the ride. She loved it, and now wanted to hit faster, more exciting rides (not sure if there would be any more).
We did find one ride that topped the coaster. It resembled a huge pendulum. It swayed back & forth, getting faster and higher each time. At the max height, you were just about upside down, then it would drop and swing you across to the other side. I don't think my hand had ever been gripped so hard before. It was thrilling for her, but she was a little queasy afterwards...there wouldn't be a second ride on this one for her. Like in the US, they snap pictures of the riders. I purchased one for LinLin...it was only then that I realized how bald I'm actually getting.
In all, the rides were OK...the atmosphere was very similar to parks in the US, just not as nice. They had the same cheesy games, that are almost impossible to win. The workers at the rides spoke over a loud speaker, trying to get everyone pumped up (I only knew that because people would cheer & clap). I would actually compare the atmosphere at Happy Valley to a state fair, rather than an amusement park in the US. It was a nice place though, and very clean.
It was a fun day at the park and LinLin definitely enjoyed it. It was cool to provide a new experience for her.
A few pictures from the camera phone...
LinLin amused by the mist...
The huge pendulum
Half way through the line for the coaster
Signs winter is coming to Beijing...
1. Belly shirt season is officially over
2. Winter coat sales (you know, the "real ones") at the Silk Market are booming
3. The kettle corn & yam vendors are starting to appear on the streets
4. The cold seems to be making people grow more impatient, line cutting is increasing
5. The Mongolians are hitting the vodka harder to stay warm
6. The girls in Beijing are starting to appear in their short skirts & black tights (I'm told the Korean girls especially like to dress like this in the winter) ... I'm not complaining
7. It's getting cold
2. Winter coat sales (you know, the "real ones") at the Silk Market are booming
3. The kettle corn & yam vendors are starting to appear on the streets
4. The cold seems to be making people grow more impatient, line cutting is increasing
5. The Mongolians are hitting the vodka harder to stay warm
6. The girls in Beijing are starting to appear in their short skirts & black tights (I'm told the Korean girls especially like to dress like this in the winter) ... I'm not complaining
7. It's getting cold
Buffalo Snow Storm - pictures from parents
Some pictures from my parents...
Buffalo Snow Storm - South Buffalo, NY
This disaster doesn't compare to that of hurricanes such as Katrina or the Tsunami in Asia 2 years ago, but reactions of help seem to have been quick, at least by State Farm Insurance. My dad told me that they showed up to the house the day after the storm to survey the damage. Two days later, the check arrived. That's pretty impressive.
Buffalo Snow Storm - South Buffalo, NY
This disaster doesn't compare to that of hurricanes such as Katrina or the Tsunami in Asia 2 years ago, but reactions of help seem to have been quick, at least by State Farm Insurance. My dad told me that they showed up to the house the day after the storm to survey the damage. Two days later, the check arrived. That's pretty impressive.
19 October, 2006
More on the Buffalo, NY snow storm
Here is a video & some pictures from my friend Ryan in South Buffalo, NY (where I'm from). The video is of a transformer exploding near by...it lit up the sky. He said the noise in the video is much different that the noise he heard...but either way, it was weird.
I spoke to my parents on Sunday, they were still without power, but I think they have it back now. They have a mess to clean up, as does everyone else around Buffalo. My Mom told me that many of the electrical outlets in my Uncle's house caught fire/sparked...leaving the walls scared and black. I can't imagine what a nightmare this must be for him & everyone else in Buffalo.
Buffalo has tons & tons of huge trees that line the city roads. As you drive down side streets in South Buffalo, you can't help but notice how the trees form the resemblance of a tunnel, due to the sheer size of them, as the hang over both sides of the road. It's a shame that many of those trees are now completely ruined and will likely have to be cut down. I'm sure they will be replaced, but how long will it take for them to get back to where they once where...likely 50 years or more.
Flickr stream...
The face of Buffalo has definitely been changed. I moved away from Buffalo about 6 years ago. Each time I go home, I kind of feel like I never left. I think that's mostly because everything seems to look the same, no dramatic changes. I think my next trip home will be quite different. On top of the fact that it will likely be about 9 months since my last visit, with the landscape change in addition, it's going to be a weird feeling.
I spoke to my parents on Sunday, they were still without power, but I think they have it back now. They have a mess to clean up, as does everyone else around Buffalo. My Mom told me that many of the electrical outlets in my Uncle's house caught fire/sparked...leaving the walls scared and black. I can't imagine what a nightmare this must be for him & everyone else in Buffalo.
Buffalo has tons & tons of huge trees that line the city roads. As you drive down side streets in South Buffalo, you can't help but notice how the trees form the resemblance of a tunnel, due to the sheer size of them, as the hang over both sides of the road. It's a shame that many of those trees are now completely ruined and will likely have to be cut down. I'm sure they will be replaced, but how long will it take for them to get back to where they once where...likely 50 years or more.
Flickr stream...
The face of Buffalo has definitely been changed. I moved away from Buffalo about 6 years ago. Each time I go home, I kind of feel like I never left. I think that's mostly because everything seems to look the same, no dramatic changes. I think my next trip home will be quite different. On top of the fact that it will likely be about 9 months since my last visit, with the landscape change in addition, it's going to be a weird feeling.
14 October, 2006
Holy snow!!!
My uncle sent me this pic from my dad. I tried to call home, but no answer. I'm assuming power is out. I spoke to my buddy Ryan earlier today on IM, he said it snowed. I didn't think it would be this bad in October!!!
(that's the backyard/garage)
13 October, 2006
Big Blue moves more into red
nytimes.com:"I.B.M. Division Moves to China"
This is a smart move by IBM...to succeed in the world of guanxi, the big guns need to be in country. Not only are the majority of their hardware suppliers located in China, but as IBM moves even more towards services, less hardware, they will increase their human capital sourcing from China (as they continue to do in India).
This is a smart move by IBM...to succeed in the world of guanxi, the big guns need to be in country. Not only are the majority of their hardware suppliers located in China, but as IBM moves even more towards services, less hardware, they will increase their human capital sourcing from China (as they continue to do in India).
11 October, 2006
More robots in China
With the biggest population in the world, short-order cooks may soon be out of a job in China.
"Chinese scientists invent first cooking robot"
Who knows what will get thrown in these things to get cooked up & served...I don't want to know, don't tell me...just let me eat it and if I get sick, I'll know never to eat that orangy, brownish, green thing that was still moving on the dish, again.
"Chinese scientists invent first cooking robot"
Who knows what will get thrown in these things to get cooked up & served...I don't want to know, don't tell me...just let me eat it and if I get sick, I'll know never to eat that orangy, brownish, green thing that was still moving on the dish, again.
10 October, 2006
The China Internet Saga
Well, this mystery (and misery) may finally be solved! After 10 days with no internet connection at my apartment, I think today may be the day I can plug back in.
Here's the run down, if you care to be bored...
So, after being BS'd by everyone for 10 days, my internet should finally be working when I get home tonight. To ensure this doesn't happen again, I told William that if it happens again, I will deduct 50% of the rent for that month. So, the landlord actually paid for one year of internet service, so this doesn't happen again. I doubt it was because of my threat, but I like to think that it is, because money talks more here than anywhere else I've seen.
Lesson learned...the phone is not connected to the internet (for me anyway) & money is connected to getting people to do (or not to do) things in China.
PS...don't forget to pay the $6 phone bill next month.
Here's the run down, if you care to be bored...
- Day 1 (September 30) - I report that my internet connection is gone, to my real estate guy (William).
- Day 2 (October 1) - William calls me and says that I need to pay my phone bill (which had been shut off a week prior). I can pay at ANY bank in China. New process to me, was never told I needed to worry about this, but OK, I'll do it.
- Day 3 (October 2) - I go off hunting for a bank that will allow me to pay my phone bill. ALL CLOSED. It's "National Holiday" in China...banks are all closed until Sunday, October 8.
- Days 4-8 - I am sick and suffer with no internet at home...wander down to SPR coffee at various points for an hour's worth of catching up
- Dav 9 - BANKS ARE OPEN! I wait in line for 2 hours with a number (178) in my hand to pay my phone bill. Guess how much the bill was ......... $6USD !!! I can't believe my phone (and, supposedly my internet) were both shut off for six bucks.
- I go home to test the phone...WORKS ... internet ... WTF, not working - William gets another call
- Day 10 - William calls me to tell me that the internet has been out in my apartment complex (didn't say for how long). He then tells me that it's out in Block D ... jackass, I'm in Block A. So, after calling his BS on that one, he finally tells me that the landlord "forgot" to pay the internet bill and will do it tomorrow (today). Guess what landlord, I'm going to "forget" to transfer the rent to you on time...and maybe not give you 100% of it!
So, after being BS'd by everyone for 10 days, my internet should finally be working when I get home tonight. To ensure this doesn't happen again, I told William that if it happens again, I will deduct 50% of the rent for that month. So, the landlord actually paid for one year of internet service, so this doesn't happen again. I doubt it was because of my threat, but I like to think that it is, because money talks more here than anywhere else I've seen.
Lesson learned...the phone is not connected to the internet (for me anyway) & money is connected to getting people to do (or not to do) things in China.
PS...don't forget to pay the $6 phone bill next month.
09 October, 2006
North Korea...to go or not to go?
Over the weekend, a couple of friends here in Beijing told me about a trip to North Korea, planned for the last weekend in October. Basically, it's a golf/sight-seeing trip with a "business" twist.
As soon as I heard about it I immediately said "I'm in." How many chances does one get to go to North Korea? I'm not afraid to go...what's the worst that could happen? Well, I guess there are plenty of bad things that could happen to a US citizen in North Korea...but what are the chances of them happening?
So, I started looking into it this morning. My main concern was the possibility of getting a "North Korean" stamp on my passport. Would US Customs say "WTF were you doing there? Get the hell out of the US and never come back?" I doubt it, but hey, who knows with the political mess going on there. I couldn't get an answer to this today, the US Embassy in Beijing is closed today...Columbus Day. (Kev (brother) left some info. in the comments section, thanks Kev!)
I then called the group in Beijing that is organizing this. They needed some info. from me and then called me back just a little bit ago with the news.... Turns out, North Korea had their first nuclear test today and it was "successful." Well, politically, the shit will likely hit the fan late tonight (US morning). So, these guys aren't too keen on taking some Americans with them this time around. Four guys, including myself got the rejection based on today's news. DAMN!
But, not to worry...they are planning another trip in May 2007. So, assuming that North Korea doesn't completely fall apart or the US and/or any other countries don't invade it by or before May 2007...I'm definitely in for the next trip.
Why would I or should I not go?
You can see the 4.2 quake it caused recorded here...
Here's the info. I originally received...
"A unique opportunity to combine business and pleasure in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), often referred to as N. Korea - a combination of business, golf and sightseeing!
One full day golf
A full one-day Golf Challenge on the par-72 Taesong Golf Course (beside Lake Taesong). Prizes will be offered, and a percentage of the money raised will be donated to the Korea Sports Fund.
One full day of business
A seminar on Monday morning covering:
Business overview of N. Korea economy, foreign trade policy, investment climate and environment
General understanding of business and trade opportunities
Overview of investment policy and laws governing foreign and JV enterprises
Meetings (by arrangement), or business-related industrial and factory tour on Monday afternoon.
Plus: Monday evening Reception with members of the Pyongyang business community in attendance."
As soon as I heard about it I immediately said "I'm in." How many chances does one get to go to North Korea? I'm not afraid to go...what's the worst that could happen? Well, I guess there are plenty of bad things that could happen to a US citizen in North Korea...but what are the chances of them happening?
So, I started looking into it this morning. My main concern was the possibility of getting a "North Korean" stamp on my passport. Would US Customs say "WTF were you doing there? Get the hell out of the US and never come back?" I doubt it, but hey, who knows with the political mess going on there. I couldn't get an answer to this today, the US Embassy in Beijing is closed today...Columbus Day. (Kev (brother) left some info. in the comments section, thanks Kev!)
I then called the group in Beijing that is organizing this. They needed some info. from me and then called me back just a little bit ago with the news.... Turns out, North Korea had their first nuclear test today and it was "successful." Well, politically, the shit will likely hit the fan late tonight (US morning). So, these guys aren't too keen on taking some Americans with them this time around. Four guys, including myself got the rejection based on today's news. DAMN!
But, not to worry...they are planning another trip in May 2007. So, assuming that North Korea doesn't completely fall apart or the US and/or any other countries don't invade it by or before May 2007...I'm definitely in for the next trip.
Why would I or should I not go?
You can see the 4.2 quake it caused recorded here...
Here's the info. I originally received...
"A unique opportunity to combine business and pleasure in Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), often referred to as N. Korea - a combination of business, golf and sightseeing!
One full day golf
A full one-day Golf Challenge on the par-72 Taesong Golf Course (beside Lake Taesong). Prizes will be offered, and a percentage of the money raised will be donated to the Korea Sports Fund.
One full day of business
A seminar on Monday morning covering:
Business overview of N. Korea economy, foreign trade policy, investment climate and environment
General understanding of business and trade opportunities
Overview of investment policy and laws governing foreign and JV enterprises
Meetings (by arrangement), or business-related industrial and factory tour on Monday afternoon.
Plus: Monday evening Reception with members of the Pyongyang business community in attendance."
06 October, 2006
Being disconnected sucks, so does being sick
Well, I'm on day 6 with no internet and phone and it completely sucks. I tried a conference call from SPR coffee using Skype, didn't even come close to being a 2 way conversation, I could not be heard on the other end. Supposedly the banks will open back up on Sunday and I should be able to pay the bill then, we'll see. The other piece to this puzzle is, how long will it actually take between after I pay the bill and when the service will come back on, God knows.
Today was supposed to be "Lost in Beijing" day, but I caught something nasty on Wednesday. I've been drinking a lot of watermelon juice (never had before, it's very good), because I was told it will help put nutrients back in my body? We'll see...I'm feeling a bit better. So, the Beijing tour will have to wait until a weekend in the future.
Today is "Mid-Autumn Festival" or "Moon Day" ... it's a day for family reunion and eating moon cakes. I haven't seen to many traditional things going on in Beijing these days...maybe because I'm in the more "western" area of the city.
Today was supposed to be "Lost in Beijing" day, but I caught something nasty on Wednesday. I've been drinking a lot of watermelon juice (never had before, it's very good), because I was told it will help put nutrients back in my body? We'll see...I'm feeling a bit better. So, the Beijing tour will have to wait until a weekend in the future.
Today is "Mid-Autumn Festival" or "Moon Day" ... it's a day for family reunion and eating moon cakes. I haven't seen to many traditional things going on in Beijing these days...maybe because I'm in the more "western" area of the city.
04 October, 2006
Lost in Beijing
On Friday, my friend Will and I will embark on a journey around Beijing. Our means of travel...subway, buses & rickshaws. We don't know where we'll end up or what we'll see, but we do know that if at any point we are seriously lost, we simply get in a taxi and tell him where home is.
It should be an interesting journey, with many pictures and stories about what we saw. Stay tuned.
BTW...still no phone or internet connection, so I find myself in SPR coffee again and having to take a call via Skype here for work.
It should be an interesting journey, with many pictures and stories about what we saw. Stay tuned.
BTW...still no phone or internet connection, so I find myself in SPR coffee again and having to take a call via Skype here for work.
Yes, you've seen me on "CHIPS"
As I was walking over to the coffee shop yesterday, for my daily feed of the internet, I came upon this accident. Just as in the US, many "rubber-neckers" were checking it out, myself included. Thankfully though, traffic did not come to a hault, as it was on one of the secondary roads
02 October, 2006
Sometimes this place drives me nuts
Things operate very differently over on this side of the world...especially when it comes to money, paying bills and buying items with "credit."
My apartment is not a "serviced apartment." A serviced apartment is basically like a hotel...everything included in your night's stay (or year's stay)...electric, water, cleaning, internet, phone, etc.... These items are included in my rent (for the most part), but I have to take care of paying for some of them on my own. Power, gas & water were the only ones I was aware of, until today.
My phone has been turned off for about a week now...yesterday, the internet went. The only way I can fix these things are by calling my agent from CBRE (real estate company). William has to take care of these things for me, since he is the middle-man. He's been "working on" the phone issue for about a week now...no progress. Today I called him and basically snapped. I'm kind of fed up with no one telling me how to get things done around here. So, today he tells me my internet is turned off because I haven't paid my phone bill...weird, I don't have a DSL modem. To fix this problem, I have to go to a bank, any bank, and tell them I want to pay. Great, easy enough...well, its "October holiday" here, banks are closed until Thursday. WONDERFUL.
So, here I am back in SPR coffee using the free wireless.
Not all was lost though...as I was out today looking for a bank to fix my communication issues, some random guy started talking to me. I wasn't really in a mood, but I gave him a chance. Usually these random people only want one of two things...1) practice their English or 2) sell you something. Turns out, he's an art professor at a university here in Beijing. He's also quite an accomplished artist. (OK, he wanted to sell me something, but he was a nice guy.)
He asked me if I wanted to see his work...OK, why not, maybe it will cheer me up. So, we wandered back into an alley and into his little studio. It was awesome! Mostly portraits. This guy is really a talented artist.
I'm not that into art, but I decided to buy one of his pieces. So, here's a pic of my first piece of art purchased in China. I'll write up an explanation about it another time.
My apartment is not a "serviced apartment." A serviced apartment is basically like a hotel...everything included in your night's stay (or year's stay)...electric, water, cleaning, internet, phone, etc.... These items are included in my rent (for the most part), but I have to take care of paying for some of them on my own. Power, gas & water were the only ones I was aware of, until today.
My phone has been turned off for about a week now...yesterday, the internet went. The only way I can fix these things are by calling my agent from CBRE (real estate company). William has to take care of these things for me, since he is the middle-man. He's been "working on" the phone issue for about a week now...no progress. Today I called him and basically snapped. I'm kind of fed up with no one telling me how to get things done around here. So, today he tells me my internet is turned off because I haven't paid my phone bill...weird, I don't have a DSL modem. To fix this problem, I have to go to a bank, any bank, and tell them I want to pay. Great, easy enough...well, its "October holiday" here, banks are closed until Thursday. WONDERFUL.
So, here I am back in SPR coffee using the free wireless.
Not all was lost though...as I was out today looking for a bank to fix my communication issues, some random guy started talking to me. I wasn't really in a mood, but I gave him a chance. Usually these random people only want one of two things...1) practice their English or 2) sell you something. Turns out, he's an art professor at a university here in Beijing. He's also quite an accomplished artist. (OK, he wanted to sell me something, but he was a nice guy.)
He asked me if I wanted to see his work...OK, why not, maybe it will cheer me up. So, we wandered back into an alley and into his little studio. It was awesome! Mostly portraits. This guy is really a talented artist.
I'm not that into art, but I decided to buy one of his pieces. So, here's a pic of my first piece of art purchased in China. I'll write up an explanation about it another time.
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