Beijing Equals Diversity

As I sat in the highest restaurant perch in Beijing at the Park Hyatt last night I gazed at the huge city of Beijing spread out below, the city is massive in scope. The other thought that popped into my mind was how diverse Beijing is. A luxury dinner was waiting but a simple lunch the day before was also a fantastic event. We ate at the home of an artist in a hutong or old part of Beijing. His wife cooked a lunch that was so fresh and satisfying and simplistic and the small streets and alleys made for a perfect stroll after. I think diversity best explains Beijing!

An Early Morning Stroll in Beijing

An early 5 AM wake up and I headed out of the Hyatt to see what I could see. The empty streets were fog shrouded and the food stalls closed up tight. I met this guard and we talked a bit he in Chinese and I in English. We came to some conclusions, trying to talk beats no communications. He wanted to pose and I wanted him to. We shared a cig as he checked out his image, he liked it. We jabbered a bit and I continued on my way. I like it here, very much!

The Temple of Heaven, Bejing Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt Beijing is perfect, no doubt about it!Fresh flowers skillfully laid out in my room and a meal never to be forgotten in their Made in China restaurant. The pool area is underground yet laid out as a island resort style pool, just amazing.

China Air to Beijing

I am in JFK terminal one and in the JAL Lounge. My luck flying has been great and I got an upgrade to Bizz class for this very long flight over the North Pole and into China. The lounge is serving Ram an noodles and tea a very different style than this westerner is used to. I am sure that is just the beginning of many things I will take as new and eastern on this trip to China. Beijing here I come!