Meet Mr. Yan (Yang Shu Fu)

Driving in Beijing is a special art -- which is why we're happy that Mr. Yan (Yang Shu Fu -- which means Respected Driver Yan) is part of team Wiebmer Beijing. We have a silver mini-van. When we met Yan Shu Fu at the airport...bleary from the plane, we didn't know what to think -- he's a great driver but speaks no English.

But this week, Yang Shu Fu has become part of our Mandarin language team...helping us on the way to class each morning. He helped me order my first Starbucks coffee (He Ka Fe). One of the first Mandarin phrases I learned was, "Thank you for being such a good driver, Yang Shu Fu." We spend the time in the car on the way to Berlitz class counting... Ye, Ars, Sen, Shhh, Wo, Leo, Chi, Ba, Shuuu.

Yesterday, he took us to a special grocery store...and even walked us across a busy street to make sure we were safe (we needed the help -- it's crazy here -- and cars always win!)

Thank you, Yang Shu Fu!

Adventures in Dining...or Pass the Pig Blood, Please

Dining in Beijing is wonderful -- there are thousands of restaurants. But once again, it's part of our China training.

When my first meal arrived, I literally had no idea of how to eat it -- I'd ordered it by fumbling with the menu and pointing at something. Imagine my surprise when a bubbling cauldron arrived at the table with five small dishes to accompany it. One of which was fruit! It's a lesson in humility...so I asked for help (and believe me, my chopstick skills are not so hot...). I compare it to eating mashed potatoes with a steak knife...the questions we have are so basic, it's difficult for people to explain.

Our Berlitz instructors took us to an authentic Hot Pot restaurant -- it's Chinese fondue! You get fabulous plates of meat and vegetables and dip them into a spicy boiling pot to cook. Once again -- with chopsticks! I loved it -- but John got a little ticked when I explained that what he thought was tofu was really a delicious patty of pig blood and tofu. Yum! Our tiny little Chinese Berliz instructors can really eat! It's fun to see them in action...

Last night we wandered out to Viva Curry! We loved the name! Our waitress couldn't stop giggling -- it made us laugh, too.

Bursting into Beijing

Happy New Year! And what an incredible year it promises to be.

We arrived in Beijing on December 29th...and we're still a little shell shocked. Our driver, Mr. Yan, met us at the airport...and we arrived at our serviced apartment right in downtown Beijing.The area looks familiar since we spent a week across the street while we looked for a place to live.

We're in the midst of a lot of restaurants...which is good since we haven't figured out how to grocery shop. The stores are an experience -- very little looks familiar. But we did buy some peanut butter which seems like a small victory....

Gosh, it's cold -- bracing! The skies have been clear and crisp...and because of the holiday, it hasn't been crowded. I continue to be amazed at how stylish the young people are in Beijing...I'm not sure what I expected...but there are Prada purses (and they don't look fake...) and groovy glasses everywhere.

For New Year's Eve, John and I had a lovely dinner at a French restaurant. We had a cocktail before dinner and heard our waitress say the bill was 480 RMB -- roughly $50! Jeepers...for two drinks! Luckily we misheard her and it was only 180 RMB -- a more reasonable $22 (It's a very nice place...)

Imagine how we'll sound once we start trying out our Mandarin! Lessons start in a day...sure to be a humbling experience!