Back in Beijing

We are back in Beijing this week for the mid year Fulbright meeting. The scholars who are coming just for spring semester will arrive in China and we full year families will see each other again while there are some meetings and receptions, etc. We have taken advantage of the hotel deal and come a few days early to enjoy some sights in Beijing we missed in August.

We were prepared for horrible pollution but arrived on a remarkably clear day, and while its cold here, it is mild for Beijing in winter -- highs in the 40s forecast for the week. And the Swissotel has heat and unlimited hot water (I know this is not a surprise for a 5 star hotel, but it is a delight). Unfortunately I think Sophia may have a bit of a cold starting, but we will have to see how it develops.

Last night after arriving we found a small local restaurant down a side street and after dinner, waled to the Tian Di Theater for acrobats. You weren't supposed to take pictures, but everyone else succumbed to temptation, so I snapped one of 12 girls riding a bicycle.

There was also juggling, flips and other hallmarks of the acrobatic tradition, but presented in a modern way, with pop music and some strange costumes. All in all a fine way to spend our first evening. Some of our friends are arriving later today, which we are excited about. And if I can get everyone up and going this morning we are going to the Weekend Dirt Market (Panjiayuan) -- which does not sell dirt(!), but is a flea market where vendors from all over come to sell curios, artwork, crafts and hopefully some really interesting things. It is only held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so this is my chance...