Oops

After posting about Beijing yesterday, I realized that it'd basically been a month since I went to Beijing. So I think it's probably time I stop trying to wait for time to discuss Beijing. Here's a short version of the rest of my trip. Erika and I went to Tienenman Square at night and in the daytime (Erika got gently pushed aside by a soldier when she got in the way of a regiment marching). We walked up to the forbidden city, but decided we didn't feel like waiting in line. The two of us went to a couple parks, had traditional Peking Duck (AWESOME!), and went to a Chinese Opera. I'll include a couple clips of the opera so you can get an idea. We had loads of fun haggling at the Silk Market (I bought a kimono or two, fake Pumas, a fake Gucci watch, a fake Jimmy Choo handbag, and a few other odds and ends). The Summer Palace was really beautiful; the hostel we stayed in was incredible. We ended up befriending the Finnish couple we shared the dorm room with (we got lost together and ended up having some beers in a Chinese bar). Erika and I got so caught up in our enjoyment that we both almost missed our train/flight back to our respective homes. I'll include a few more pictures, but suffice it to say, Beijing may have been the greatest trip I've ever had. We had an amazing time and I loved the city. There are too many stories to tell without annoying everyone, so if you're curious, ask about the Wisconsinite we met, or the bird with a better Chinese accent than me, or the chopsticks "expert." I'd be happy to relate more, but I think it's time I return to discussing life in Korea. For instance, I had a great Halloween weekend. That's a story for a later post (I don't want people to have to catch up too much), so I'll just tell you that Korea doesn't really provide costumes, but I did get to see a guy in a nun habit. No Halloween is complete if you don't see at least one guy in a habit (at least, no Halloween after you start college is complete). One video is at Tienenman Square and the Gate to the Forbidden City. I just wanted to give you an idea of how packed it was. The other two videos are from the Chinese Opera we went to. It was a unique experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see something they haven't before.