Nayani’s Blog

Okay… I Caved In! I Got Subway in Beijing but I Was Starving!!!

Written 28th Feb

I’ve just parked myself on my bed and stuffed a 6 inch roasted chicken on wheat bread sandwich into my face. Only being here for 8 days, I refused to give into western treats BUT I have good reason for this today. I’ve been sick for the last few days and was getting bed rest until about 2 this afternoon… by which time lunch in the kitchen was no longer being served… PLUS I had this dream last night where there was this massive untouched pizza on a huge bed just calling my name! I’m all about eating the local food and really immersing myself into the culture here… but sometimes… a girl’s gotta eat.

Yesterday I explored the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City is incredibly huge – a proper city – with so much history. You can see the many different rooms of the Emperor… as well as the Empress’ room where she hung herself. From what Pinkie, one of our in-country partners in China, said, once the Emperor, his family and associates entered the Forbidden City they were never allowed to leave. They’d live their entire lives there, as the gate would be locked and surrounded by water so they couldn’t leave but more importantly, so no one could get in. I’m a bit of a nerd – not in the educated sense… I hardly know enough about anything! – more so because I visit historical sites and just get excited by the idea that I’m standing in the exact quarters inhabited by people from the 1400s! This is probably due to the fact that I grew up in Los Angeles and the closest thing we have to historical sites is probably a Wal-Mart or Toys R Us created in the 80s…

Today I was supposed to do one last tour before I go – to see the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace but unfortunately, I had to cancel as I’m not very well and could do with a day of resting in bed… all day. Tomorrow will be my very last day in Beijing and I want to make sure I enjoy it.

Tonight some of the interns are heading out to Hooters (ha, yes! Hooters in Beijing!) for some good old western food, drinks… and I guess local waitresses? Not exactly sure… but I think I’ll need to force myself to stay in my hotel room with my juice and medicines.. Whooo, crazy night!