It’s been quite some time since I’ve posted tips in living in Beijing. One of the most important thing in living in China is navigating the city without looking dumb. If you’ve been to Hong Kong, you’d probably notice their infamous Octopus card.
In Beijing, the Octopus card counterpart is called the Yi Ka Tong. This card can be bought at the nearest subway station. Not all ticket booth in the station have this card. They might direct you to a different ticket booth to purchase this.
It’s Spring again and Cherry Blossom Festival will soon kick off in Japan. These trees will be in full bloom starting mid-March to mid-May in different locations. Usually once the flowers first bloom, you have between 5 to 12 days to enjoy them before it’s gone.
One of our plans this year is to witness this event and to start it off, we need to apply for a visa to visit Japan. The Japanese Embassy’s visa section in Beijing is located at the 2nd floor of Silver Tower at East Third Ring North Road. However, starting 1 March 2010, visa application can only be coursed through accredited travel agencies.
Chinese New Year holiday is a bit quiet for Beijing standards. My Harbin experience went down the drain as I wasn’t able to get a train ticket back and I’ve been a prat for making plans without taking into consideration my travel buddy who also would like to go there. Anyway, did you know that…
WIDOW YEAR
As I was having lunch with my friend last month, I was telling her about my friend who’s getting married. She then mentioned that this year is not a good year to get married.
The reason? This year is a Widow Year.
Chinese has a superstition that if the Chinese New Year falls after the start of Spring which happened in early February, the year is considered as a bad year for marriage. You wouldn’t want to be a widow don’t you?
After experiencing Chinese New Year in Beijing in 2006, I told myself that I don’t want to be stuck in the city with nothing to do and being bored. Ever since then, I’m usually out of town and either head back home or to a different location. This year, my friend and I will visit the elusive Harbin. I’ve been trying to visit this place for the past 3 years and I don’t want to mess it up this year.
Harbin (哈尔滨)
Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang, which is the northernmost province of China. It is dubbed as “Ice City” for its long and cold winter. It is also famous for it’s winter ice sculptures which happens every year in January and February.
In the 1920s, it is recognized as China’s fashion capital as the newest fashion passed by this city before heading towards Shanghai. The city borders Russia and a lot of their architecture are influenced by their neighbor.
On February 3, 2010, Emerald City Smoothie will open its doors and welcoming locals and expats who are seeking healthy, great tasting nourishment for their body!
Emerald City Smoothie was founded in 1996 in Seattle, Washington when a man turned his dual passions-for healthy, great-tasting smoothies, and helping others achieve their health goals-into a business. Washington state is home to 46 Emerald City Smoothie locations and the corporate office. We have over 64 stores opened nationwide including: Washington, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Connecticut and are proud to announce our first international location serving Beijing. “We have been referred to as the Starbucks of Smoothies”, states EVP, Business Development Jim Baskett.
As best stated by our mantra, we stand for everything that is fresh, healthy, nourishing and flavorful. We are committed to enhancing the everyday lives of our customers—body, mind and spirit. That’s why everything that can be bought in the store are healthy products such as smoothie, juice, tea, sandwiches, protein powder and vitamins.
At present, they are still in their soft opening stage. All products are 15% off. If you’re someone who has a sweet tooth, inform them so they can add a bit more sugar to suit your taste. I suggest trying Island Breeze and Mini-mass if you’re into the strawberry banana flavor. Half of their fruits are imported while the other half are locally produced.
I know I know.. why drink a smoothie during winter time? Hey, it’s warm inside the building and it’s a good meal alternative. So, what are you waiting for, head out to their flagship store in Beijing.
Address: 3/F, Gateway Plaza, 18 Xiaguangli, East Third Ring North Road, Chaoyang, Beijing (北京市朝阳区东三环北路霞光里18号佳程广场A座3楼)
We’re almost at the end of 2009 and I hope next year proves to be a better year for everyone. I hope the world economy makes a rebound and everyone’s life will be at least a bit easier.
Our HR already sent out a memo regarding the 2010 Chinese Holidays. That means I can plan my vacation and make the most out of the 11 days vacation leave that I’m entitled to on top of the Chinese Holidays. As usual, expect working on the weekend or seven days straight as China just love to messed up regular working people’s schedule.
There you have it! I’m dreading the seven day work-week. I’m pretty sure I’ll be grumpy on the seventh day! Why can’t they just stick to a long weekend like in the Philippines.
Five more days to go and it’s Christmas! One of the most important holidays for me but somehow I don’t feel like it’s Christmas. When everyone is looking forward to it. For me, it means more work. My bosses are away on a holiday but they’ve piled a list of things for me to do. Oh well..
Christmas came early for me as my brother and sister-in-law came for a visit. We went to Datong and some of the Beijing sites. Of course! It’s freezing but that’s winter. Hehehe! I’m hoping for a white Christmas but it’s not going to happen. My friend from the Philippine Embassy even jokingly said that maybe they should write to the Chinese government and respectfully asked for snow on Christmas eve. Hehehe..
Our building had a Christmas tree lighting ceremony but it flopped big time as they only served mulled wine which majority of the people we gave it to didn’t like.
Christmas lights are already out in most building but the spirit of Christmas isn’t there. Christmas made me miss home with all the light and Christmas carols. It made me miss my family even without a lavish feast but just being together and greeting each other “Merry Christmas”.
It’s been quite some time since our family as a whole celebrated Christmas. Last time it happened was in 2006, the month my brother married. This would also be the first Christmas that Lola Meling won’t be joining us. (Miss you lola!)
Well.. I better stop this rambling… but to everyone. I hope you have a better Christmas than I do!
Photo ain’t mine. got it in the web! 
I thought China would be able to subsidize the fuel costs for drivers but apparently not. With fuel prices soaring to at least $70 a barrel, the transport sector is clamoring for an increase. Compared to the Philippines where each increase in the transport cost will result to strike, China just lay down the law and expect everyone to follow.
Last Wednesday, November 25, the long awaited increase for taxi operators was implemented. Flag down rate remains at RMB 10 between 6am to 11pm and RMB 11 between 11pm to 6am. However, if you go beyond the flag down rate, you’ll be charged an additional RMB 1 on top of the metered rate. This RMB 1 will come out of your pocket and cannot be reimbursed.
I’ve taken the taxi several times since Wednesday and it’s a hit and miss. Some taxi drivers will ask for RMB 1 more while others doesn’t seem to mind. So, if you ride a taxi and your taxi fare is beyond RMB 10, don’t argue with the driver if they ask you to pay one kuai more.
When I think of hospitals, I envision a clean, sterile place that is airconditioned and white painted walls. I’ve lived in China for 6 years now and my vision of a hospital changed. I dread becoming sick as I’m not really sure if the doctors can be trusted or let alone the needles or items they will use on me are sterilize and new.
In Zhanjiang, I get to know two neurologists. We became good friends and somehow my fears were slowly fading. I still don’t want to have my tooth done here even in Beijing. I guess it just my first impression left me with a bad picture. As I was riding a taxi in the city, I can see dentists extracting tooth from the patient from their window doors. Some of the doors are open that even pollution can enter your mouth. That defeats the purpose of keeping the place clean.
A couple of weeks ago, my friend shared one of his horror stories with hospitals here in Beijing. His wife was pregnant and his business was here, they decided that his wife will give birth here in China. The pre-natal care was excellent and at par with western standards. However, it turn for the worst during the birthing procedure.
The 2nd Philippine Ball was held last 7 November 2009 at the Doubletree by Hilton at Xuanwu district. The ball was dubbed as “Pista” showcasing Filipino food and comedian Nanette Inventor. Ticket price was RMB 600 per person.
Ticket
My friend Richard from Philippine Airlines was one of the major sponsors of this event. Luckily, the guests he invited decided not to go so Marco and I were able to attend the event for free. Nice eh! (Thanks Richard!)
The ticket cost is relatively cheap compared to other chamber events. A part of the proceeds of this event will go to charity both here and in Manila. Beneficiaries are PGH Children’s Ward, Philippine Red Cross, and orphanages in Beijing.
Location
Doubletree by Hilton is in the southwest side of Beijing. For most attendees whom I know, the majority live in the east side of town, Taxi alone will set you back 50 rmb one way. For me, it was ok as Richard was able to bill his cab fare to the company. Thank you Philippine Airlines! 