We have always wanted to spend New Year somewhere and also to celebrate our wedding anniversary but it just didn't materialize. For our 5th year, I kinda insisted on a trip.
SQ was having a promotion and it was between Hong Kong and Beijing. We love Hong Kong. But I was thinking there's nothing new to do or see. I don't like China. Period. But I really want to see the Great Wall of China and he's a history buff. So it wasn't that tough a decision. Many people asked why Beijing and I prepared myself for the bad weather, the rowdy people and almost everything bad.
Flight there was quite empty. It was the first time I was on the upper deck but turbulence was quite bad too. Again, I was freaking out cos that's how Air Asia got down - bad weather. But if it's meant to be, there's nothing I can do. And of course, we landed safely.
The airport was surprisingly nice and in my opinion, comparable to Hong Kong's and Bangkok's. I've seen worse so that was a good start.
I thought the cold was fine although almost everyone was already wrapped up in their winter wear. Until we were about to head out to get a taxi. And on the way to the hotel, we saw this.
Welcome to Beijing.
Dinner at a known restaurant. It's just beside the hotel :)
And it was freaking cold! Headed back to the hotel to rest before finding a venue to 'party' and to countdown to 2015.
Countdown is not a big thing so we went to a club recommended by the hotel staff. Think Double O.
4 layers every day - heatec, sweater, lightweight down jacket, outer jacket. Gloves, scarf & hoodie are a must! This was what I partied in. Not cool at all.
Mix Club. It was so crowded I seriously thought we would die if there's a fire. I don't know why I'm so negative at times. Anyway, we didn't stay till late cos we just didn't belong and it wasn't quite our thing. I didn't mind dancing if I had a different outfit. He didn't mind drinking if we were at a pub. But it was still quite an experience. Getting a cab was too. You had to fight for one or be stranded on the street the whole night. Not fun when it was cold.
Day 2 - 1.1.2015
Time to visit the main tourist sites. We only managed two cos we started in the late morning and everywhere was quite crowded. Plus the places were huge so much time is needed.
Day 3 - 2.1.2015.
Our 5th year wedding anniversary.
And we went on a Great Wall of China tour.
First to the Ming Tomb.
And then to tick an item off my bucket list.
Not before I was forced to take this scary cable car ride.
No cover, no safety net. The ride felt like the longest ever.
And then it was the climb. It was really a magnificent sight.
I didn't climb much given how unfit I am but was still glad I did it.
No more scary cable car ride but the fun toboggan.
Day 4 - Temple of Heaven.
And then to the artsy 798. Wanted to shop at the wholesale market but we didn't have enough time.
The weather was quite bad that day too but no complaint as we had mostly clear blue sky.
Dinner on the last night at Da Dong, another popular restaurant.
Last day and the sun greeted us.
Overall, it was an enjoyable trip. People were friendly and helpful. The cold was bearable except my hands and toes felt like they don't belong to me. Food was decent and the Peking duck was great.
Until they fucking confiscated my power bank. Lesson learned - check in your power bank even if they told you otherwise.
Alright, this may be our one and only holiday this year. But looking forward to more and many more 5 years to come.
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