798 Baby

There is fantastic art district in Beijing, the 798. It was formerly a big ugly communist era factory zone. Much of the manufacturing apparatus is still intact, giving the area a gothic industrial feel. There is a world class gallery called the Ullen's. Many people don't realize that China had its own artistic tradition that thrived alongside that of the West. There is abstract-expressionalism and post-modernism on par with anything produced by Kandinsky or Warhol. Anyway enjoy the pics.

China Redux

Wow has China changed in 3 short years. It is bigger, brassier and more confident in every imaginable way. The Olympics are going to do some magnificent things for this mighty country. I'm glad of the opportunity of being right next door when it all goes down.

Old Friends, (and some new ones too)

I also got the chance to reconnect with dear friends in China. I am happy to report that Glenn, Tyson and their significant others are all well, and happy. Nicole and Jeff, as well as Sunny and Jade and myself went for the obligatory Beijing duck dinner on the eve of my departure...bittersweet.

Kev

There really is nothing in the world like hanging out with an old bro. Kev and I have been friends since we were kids. Little has changed I guess, still ridiculously immature and lovin it. We spent most of our time partying in China. We did a couple of open mics (the theme from Rawhide) haha, and played lots of pool. Kev's new hottie is great too, her name is Marion, and she is from France. When I was accosted by the snake, Marion got up and did a belly dance with the dancer and thereby deflected the attention from a very freaked out and hyper-ventilating Chaddy, merci Marion.

My new hobby

So I've taken up snake-dancing. There I was, eating a casual, relaxed meal of mutton rou at a Xinjiang restaurant, when a snake lady began her act. Kevin (the prick) motioned her hither, and before I knew it I was dancing in front of 200 people festooned with a python about my neck. I still shudder to think of that night.....just look at the pics, in the immortal words of Rick McLennan, Keeeeeeerist!!!!