Beijing
(18.5. - 22.5.2005)

Beijing

I went to Beijing on a business trip to visit our subsidiary development office - it was great to meet the small team there, this was the first time I have visited the office. We stayed in a western hotel right next to the office in Haidian district (not much of cultural experience, but the breakfast bar was great, especially to help with our jet-lag). The first day we were given an opportunity to visit performance of Beijing opera - quite an interesting experience. We worked on Thursday and Friday and on Saturday (May 21) Vincent and I were able to do some sightseeing.  

We have visited Temple of Heaven, which Jitka and I missed during our visit to Beijing on our Trip around the world. The complex consists of a huge park and several religious complexes, as well as a palace for the emperor to stay during the days leading towards the ceremonies. In the park people dance to tango music, play badminton and practice marshal arts. 

Beijing is being completely rebuilt. New buildings keep rising, construction cranes are everywhere. Traffic jams are no unknown to the city, but unlike in many other developing countries, the cars are mostly new. But as we heard, the ruling is that by the end of 2007 all construction needs to seize and the city has to be ready in its prime for the 2008 Olympic games.

We also visited the Forbidden city. To my surprise, it is under construction as well - roofs are being replaced and many buildings are being completely renovated. Despite of that, it still keeps its charm and magnificence, even though I have to admit that seeing it second time is not as impressive as seeing it for the first time.

In the evening we spent some time in Beihai park with a huge white Buddhist stupa and other religious buildings and then went for a great dinner with Tony and Aleana in a restaurant by Qianhai Lake. 

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