Urumqi

Located in the far west of China, close to the border with Kazakhstan, Urumqi is very different to what you imagine of China. Locals use Arabic letters to write and speak a language which is very close to Russian.

Urumqi, China

My bike

My bike

Traffic can be quite a mess in Beijing but a bike is the perfect way to get around this. Starting at 40USD (!) you can buy a bike in the supermarket. The down side is that they are typically for very short people. I therefore decided to go for a larger bike. It's a solid steel bike, very much like the Swiss Army bike.

Buying the bike was good fun as my Chinese was about as good as his English as we stood in his "shop" (2x 5m large room with 10 bikes). I tried to explain that the breaks don't work properly and was glad he got the message. Watching him "adjusting the breaks" was amazing - instead of tuning the breaks he brought heavy gear and simply bended the metal handle of the break... The breaks still don't work but you can pull the handle a bit further now - very pragmatic

While I am still happily riding my bike to work I am stunned by the poor quality. After only two weeks rust appeared at different parts and soon the pedals didn't turn round anymore...

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Chinese wedding

What an experience! Where to start? Ok, weddings are typically from 10.00 to 13.00. You meet at a good restaurant where tables are prepared for a pretty large group (200-300 people) with a stage in front. Everything is very professionally prepared. Large posters of the couple, good quality movies to introduce them etc. Soon the show - yes it's a show - starts. The master of ceremony guides thru 3 hours of speaches, rituals, several dress changes of the bride, the newly weds singing a song etc. Very entertaining - at least for them who don't have to perform...
Last but not least do not forget your "red enveloppe" with an even number (that the couple can share it) but not 4 (bad luck) of brand new bills in it.

Glasses...

If you want to be "in" in Beijing then you have to wear glasses without glasses...