TRAVEL - CHINA (BEIJING)
Beijing. We were so lucky I don't even think I could tell someone else how to have this trip. Essentially we met a family who said, "if you are ever in Beijing, we will host you." And we took them up on it. I have a deep belief in visiting people in their countries. Well I don't think we could have imagined what "hosting" meant. Upon arrival we were greeted with a driver, our friend new Haipeng. He didn't speak a lot of English but the power of games and universal signs/vibes is a beautiful thing. Haipeng took us to our hotel which felt like a CIA meeting spot but I'M NOT COMPLAINING. And we did some more things I'll tell you about below:
EAT COW's BLOOD ONCE AND NEVER AGAIN
Hot Pot! The art of taking some item and throwing it in a boiling broth, taking it out, and eating it. Look I can't even help you order. Don't go to China without someone who wants you to succeed. In this case, James, our host, wanted us to try all the controversial things because he was looking for a laugh (I later found out). Cow blood becomes gelatinized and then cooked like tofu in the broth. I wouldn't have thought anything of it if I didn't know it was blood. I gagged. We also ate lung and liver salad, and pig intestines.
PEE or WORSE, POO
I think the squat position is technically healthier which is why the Squatty Potty was invented for the westerners. I was wearing a full winter get up, so walking into this stall, I was ill prepared and I think I fell in. Luckily this was only a number one because I don't have the quad strength for anything more advanced. BE PREPARED FOR THESE. I think this one was a fancy one.
BEIJING has a super cool arts distrct
Also, see that sky? It was supposed to be a sunny day. It's called 798 Art Zone and it's super cool. So go look that up. We also ate right next to it at this v. wild restaurant. By wild I just mean huge and fancy and lots of private rooms for business people.