This time we weren't missed. We caught the train and went to Beijing in deluxe class. Very nice. The trip was enjoyable.
From the moment I got into Beijing it was hell. I roomed with Lauren and a Swiss named Michael. Both of them are great lovers of the culinary arts which meant finding an hotel room that was closest to the "best restaurant in Beijing". The food was good, but I was in no mood for it and neither was my body. It was around 1 or 2 am before we returned to our hotel room to sleep.
The hotel we were staying at was fairly expensive since it was in the Wang fu jing area. Bike rentals were a km away and the money changers in the area were not honest.
Next day Michael and I rented bicycles at an expensive rental and went to the Qiao yuan to change money. The distance was long and before we reached it a torrential rainstorm hit the area. We were totally drenched and took shelter in an underpass along with 200 others. The wind blew incredibly hard one way and then again the other way. Finally, it subsided in about 30 minutes and we reached Qiao yuan. But, that wasn't the last of it.
Another storm began, sending lightning bolts everywhere. The area was inundated with the water. It took about another hour before the sun shone again. I met Andre of Monkey Business while Michael checked into the availability of rooms. He was curious about how I got back, since I was supposed to have returned with his flight. We laughed about the episode and then Andre showed me some books he had gotten in Mongolia/China(?). We talked some about Mongolia and its uncertain future, and then he gave me some Xerox copies of some recent publications on Mongolia. Finally, Andre gave me another T-shirt, since the one I was wearing was drenched. I gave Andre my address so that I could receive the newsletter and stay in touch.
By this time I was very hungry and wanted to get something to eat, but we were supposed to meet with Lauren for dinner. We rode back to the bicycle rental, walked to the hotel, met Lauren and dashed to the restaurant. We got to the restaurant about a 1/2 hour before the chef left, so we didn't get the "full" course. Lauren was disappointed, Michael was satiated and I was about to die. When we returned to the hotel, I collapsed on the bed. Michael and Lauren figured out our expenses and once that was over I slept.
I woke up this morning feeling better, but not great, so I decided to have one more go at getting those last few things. I was successful, but not after having lunch at McDonalds!
I said my "goodbyes" to Lauren and Michael. I might see Lauren again in Seattle if he comes.
Checked out and took a cab to the airport where I am now sitting on the floor with my baggage at the airport, hoping this is my last entry...
...Yes!