My first week in Beijing

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So much has happened in a week that I feel like I've been here for a year. Where do I begin? I arrived and it was hot and muggy. The next day it (acid) rained. The day after was glorious, and everyday since has been some where in between but always HOT. And in case anyone comes here, it is true what they say about the air pollution unfortunately.
The orientation week was chaotic, mandarin lessons were essential, and accommodation issues are still being sorted. Short version: I looked for ages, all were crap, found a great place (except for the crap bathroom) in the absolute centre of town a whole 5 minutes from work if I stroll, had issues with the incompetent real estate agent and now issues with the landlady who as it turns out, does not want to rent to a foreigner. The agent insists he's convinced here but I'll believe it when she signs the form. I got all excited and went shopping for house stuff (everyone wanted to help me, and between my bad mandarin and miming always manage to muddle through. It's a blast!) but watch this space. I start work next week too, which is cool. I've been to the office and met the people and everyone is so nice I am looking forward to starting.

In the mean time, friends from Canberra who have also just moved to Beijing have kindly let me stay with them and we are having a great time exploring antique markets and restaurants. We went to Liulichang (a great antique/art street) today and I bought the most beautiful oil painting from the artist himself and who was a lovely lovely guy and told me I was a very good haggler, which I'm quite chuffed about. The secret is to start to walk away I've discovered.

Also had the famous Peking roast duck at the famous Quan Jude Roast Duck restaurant, on my friend's great advice and loved it. You get a commemorative card with the number of the duck you're eating, they keep a running tally since 1864. Our duck was 409,839. We called him Bob.

Had dinner with other friends at a great food stall street tonight. I was adventurous and ate starfish on a stick. It was good for about half an arm then made me a bit queasy. Felt like a celebrity/freak when two ladies asked to have their picture taken with me and Charlotte. We were told that people would, and it is because they think we're beautiful so there you go. Off to another really great antique market tomorrow, bright and early (7am!), and so the adventures start...