I did not see the summer palace yesterday as planned. Went instead to the new National Theatre to try for tickets to Red Giselle by the St Petersburg Elfman Ballet, which yes, I have seen before (at the dans fest in sg last year) but would like to see again, and it's of a standard I think my wonderful host lw would like. Unfortunately only 400 and 800rmb tickets were left, I did not have enough cash on me, and forgot to bring the card out. Touts at the counter had apparently bought all the 100/200rmb tickets, and were pushing them, but I just think it's such a bad practice which should not be encouraged, that I refused to even listen to them... they are probably real seats, but it's just so wrong. Sigh. It takes time, I guess. and I can't fault them for trying to make a few bucks - it's in their blood? but it still gets on my nerves.

Then I went to Beihai Park and JingShan Park. They would have been pleasant places to sit or stroll or picnic. if not for the incredible wind and hence chill. That said, it's been getting warmer every day, so I'm feeling much better =) anyway, both places are nice as parks, to see the locals (usu older folk) dancing, singing, taichi-ing, gambling, etc... bldgs not so impressive or especially thought-provoking, but still nice. I think I've just seen too much already...

Then rushed to meet lw, jh and some other uni coursemates here on holiday for dinner, in a little restuarant in the hutong area the american landscape architect working here whom I meet in Suzhou had told me I must go. Really nice neighbourhood. I'll probably have found a hostel in this area if I hadn't already had somewhere to stay... there's a wonderful, gregarious owner who really made the place that bit more special in addition to the good food...

today. brunch, then to the 798 galleries. i def have to spend another day just wandering ard the galleries. so that's my 3 remaining weekdays (before may1/2 and my flight south) taken care of: summer palace, hutongs, and art galleries. After the galleries, we headed for the mandatary Peking roast duck dinner, then the Philip Stark designed lan club (not that fantastic except for the big comfy private toilets), then another club, then back to the aptm. The clubs here are def much more interesting than back home.. more varied, more character, stronger drinks.. =P

Tml, great wall w the group.