Pizza Day aka China-ASEAN #11

Today is the fortnight-ly pizza day (simply means we get to order pizza).

Yummy yummy in my tummy.

In case Octo reads my post everyday (which she probably doesn't), and in case Mommy Octo reads this and wonders what in the world happened to the report I promised her...

It's still under construction. I can't help it, I hate writing reports. They're so rigid, so dry, so... formal. Can my entries be counted as part of the report? They're more colourful, you see. Got pictures some more...


Speaking about reports... *yawns*

Let me cuddle up in my nest for 5 minutes.

Ok I'm awake now.

Actually, I do remember all the bits and pieces of my trip in China. I mean, everything is so memorable. Or perhaps I'm still living in that sweet reminiscent.

I did bring my diary there so I could jot down every fragment of what's still left in my head after a tiring day but, it didn't help that much.

If you were to read my diary of those 12 days (which you will never, hopefully), it's like reading T. S. Eliot's. I'm not saying that I'm pro or what, it's just abstract, to others.

That's how you keep your diary personally private and confidential and... personal.

So, I write my entries of China based on memories and pictures (kudos to the smart guy who said pictures enhance memory).

By the way, this will be the last entry with pictures of China.

Just outside our hotel is the Tiananmen Square.

Not my camera's problem, neither was it my photo-taking skills, it's the HAZE.

Damn the haze, it's freaking 8.30am and it's 33 degrees.

Talk about us being in an oven at the equator. Beijing is in the furnace.

I'll let you see the pictures that make-sense (the others don't, trust me) first:

The Chinese are so geared up for Olympics.

In 4 years time will London be like that?

Now, I'll let you see the pictures that still-make-some-sense:

In conclusion, the teachers, Ms. Dini and Mr. Fu are one bunch of posers in disguise.

Especially Mr. Saiful and Ms. Thailand.

Now the pictures that don't-make-any-sense:

So, we are suffering from mental illness due to exams after all.

Thanks to Ms. Chan for suggesting the optical illusions idea.

You'll have to zoom in on the second last picture to understand what we're doing.

Off to the Forbidden City.

Well... turned out it's not-so-forbidden anymore.

Right... I don't remember the Imperial Palace being this big. I was only 4, remember?

Hey, kid. That ain't your Jacuzzi. That's a cauldron used by cannibals.

Everyone's supposed to be excited 'cause we're walking in one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Somehow, I found that I'm the only one being so fervent.

Poor guys, they're so tired. *sigh* I miss them.

Pictures of the Forbidden City:

Now, you people who enjoy Chinese history or ancient-China-kungfu-masters soap drama will recognise this.

The trick is behind that board.

Emperors used to write the names of their heirs behind that board, when they're on their death bed.

Chris told us one romantic legend about these 2 trees.

It's called 'lianlishu', direct translation: joined branch trees.

Give dad one garden like this and he'll do anything.

Ramzi teaching LinBing some silat moves.

Eventually, Mr. Macho gave up.

Went for lunch in this restaurant which is super expensive (guess everything is 'cause of the Olympics).

Then went for this hutong tour (hutong is in Manchu, it means alleys) on rickshaws.

In case you're wondering what that pink thing in the middle is... there's a few versions of names for it.

To Octo (who owns it), it's called mini octo.
To Wafiy and I, it's called BBQ octo 'sula' style.


Us, on the move in the hutong.

We went to this woman's house to see the courtyard-type of house.

Sitting like students in school, listening to the lecture...

This is the Liuyin Street.

I like this street 'cause people there seem so relaxed and so at ease.

The uncle who drove us around on the rickshaw explained part of the Qing dynasty politics to Octo and I.

Went shopping at Xiushui Street, not really a street, more like a big complex with lots of booths selling same things but different styles (and quality), supposedly all under the same boss.

That's where you test your bargaining skills.

Of course, no fear 'cause JR's here. And we say women are good in bargaining, you should watch JR...

Taken after dinner, 'cause Ms. Dini was leaving that night.

We did some last shopping and went back to the hotel to pack.

Later that night, the others joined us in our room for a little gathering.

We didn't sleep though Octo, I and the Bruneians were supposed to leave for the airport at 4.30am the next day.

Talked, fooled around, played prank calls with the 'stupid' people, learned the art of Chinese chess (taught by Mr. Macho).

Oh... and we ate Indo Mee~ ^^