China - week 4

Back from a weekend away and returned to a bright sunny day. I even saw my first vapour trail. And in navigating trip home from train station successfully, I decided to join my neighbours in an afternoon stroll an then a trip to the wet market. Listening to my bike gang playlist while I cook dinner - week 4 has ended okay.

Evening train

Navigating my way through the underground tunnels, caught up in the wave of people. If you can't beat them, join them I though as I shirt fronted my way through the crowd. I get off the subway, a little like a rabbit in headlights, and make my way to the train - flustered and red faced.

And here I sit, looking out at what? I catch my reflection in the train window and wonder if I'm on the cusp of something, and decide to lose my thoughts in the moment. So I look past the reflection and towards the half built unit blocks, all square lines and sharp angles. They make way to fields of vegetables, chickens and worker shacks. Then mini cities spring out from nowhere, an odd contrast that just seems right. And in the darkness as the train heads south, the hard cities become a little softer - all twinkling lights and neon.

                             

Dogs of China - # 4

"His name is Yoyo"

Do not swim

Dogs of China - # 3

Goelia 225

A five storey store that has a lovely florist, a rooftop cafe, and exhibition spaces. Beautiful stained glass windows, lovely tiles and interesting murals. 225 Beijing Lu - an oasis of interesting! Bonus free rose if you get a coffee (or buy something) at Benshop. What's not to love?

China - week 3

This week I heard very exciting news from afar which made me the happiest. Then there was a drive to the airport and back past coloured fake castles and real high-rises . Girls holding hands in Shanghai and a man walking a poodle in his paisley pyjamas. Long flight delays made marginally better by mochi, but then realising I don't really like mochi... My first hairdresser experience and romantic curls. Helpful phone calls via Seoul and further afield making this big world smaller. The nice doorman who smiled happily when I find the back way in - sharing my excitement, who is now happy to see me every night, walking me to the lift and waving goodbye. Big rain storms with thunder and the emergence of the biggest snails I've ever seen. Good people, not so good coffee, finding my groove.