Out for a blip!

Conscious of my poor start to blipping the 'jing, I left the familiar surroundings of my immediate area and went to Houhai to see it in daylight rather than neon-light, which is how it's described in the books. Restaurant and bar owners were painting and priming their fronts and terraces, ready for the summer season (and one or two extra visitors) and lots of families generally enjoying the sunny weekend. I went for lunch in a random place that had lots of Chinese patrons - a sure sign that the food is good! A steaming bowl of noodles in a soup, with various bits and bobs (I declined what looked like chicken skin tied in knots!) for less that what it cost me to get there in a taxi! I didn't have enough time to get lost in the hutongs, but will defiinitely return to do so. This card game was drawing a crowd - I reckon there were a few kwai at stake.

I wanted to get back for a step class, followed by a mani & pedicure at the rather nice Dragonfly (shall be going back there too!) But then I went for a well-deserved glass of shiraz and snack at the Bookworm, which will be my hang-out of choice for lazy weekend mornings. It's a library and bookshop with bar that does food. Soft music, soft furnishings and some trendies surfing the net to boot.

It's been a busy third week. Work had slightly more variety to it, in the shape of training courses and an extended lunch on Friday! Had a couple of issues with laundry and no gas at home, with the main problem being the language barrier. Other than that - all fine and dandy!