Comings and Goings: Just another weekend in Beijing

One thing that's a little sad about Beijing is how inconstant and ever-changing the expat community is. It seems we're always welcoming someone or saying goodbye. This weekend we bid farewell to John with a Friday night dinner in Nanluoguxiang. It was Indian food at Mirch Masala, perhaps more "americanized" than the Indian food in America even. That, coupled with the plethora of foreigners, made it feel just like having a meal out back in the States.

There are a number of adorable boutiques on that street, including one where I practically wanted to buy the whole store -- it specialized in antique minority clothes and jewelry, with lots of cute accessories made from typical minority fabrics (Dai, Miu, etc.). I settled for a cowbone cocktail ring and a little hand-stitched pouch. We whiled away some time at a cozy little coffee shop called Guitar Bar, appropriately bedecked in old rock n' roll paraphernalia (and hella expensive drinks). Then, because all roads lead to Sanlitun on the weekend, we spent some time enjoying music from the Xinjiang Boys at Cheers (again) before capping the night at Bar Blu.

Saturday, I planned to wander around by myself but ended up meeting up with a couple friends at the Jishuitan subway stop. We walked all the way from there, along Xihai and Houhai, where the sun was starting to dip behind the trees and the light was perfect. Snapped this picture of ducks slipping and sliding over the barely frozen water:

Also had my very first taste of suan nai, this really traditional Beijing yogurt drink sold in almost every small grocery store in these little ceramic pots sealed with paper. I wish I'd discovered it earlier because it was sooooooo delicious -- some of the freshest, most natural-tasting yogurt I've ever had.

Followed this with stinky tofu and a pastry filled with sweet red bean paste.

Then walked to Nanluoguxiang, again, and wandered around a bit, stopped for some lime and honey water at Fish Nation, before poking into Hangzhou Baozi for these delectable little steamed miniature buns filled with juicy meat. (Here's a picture of the lady making them.）

Then returned to Wudaokou for dinner at Isshin, after which I wandered around myself for a bit and bought a couple hats from the Wu boutiques.

Sunday, today, we set out for Chuan Ban, or the restaurant associated with the Sichuan regional office, known to be the best Sichuan restaurant in town. We gorged on chicken swimming in chili oil:

Some sweet and tasty green beans, and suancai yu, this amazingly tender and delicate white fish swimming in a broth flavored by picked mustard greens.


Topped with some of the fluffiest corn pancakes I've ever had, which we dipped liberally in sweet condensed milk.

Afterwards, discovered this awesome shoe store called Hot Wind, where the shoes were plentiful, super cute, and best of all, CHEAP. I scored some gray suede pumps for Y249 (around $33) and lime green ballet flats for Y99 ($13!). Then wrapped up the evening with karaoke, again, at Cashbox "Party World" KTV, again. Yes, I am addicted.