Setting The Scene

I think I should explain some background.

I love China, and have arrived on the longest tourist visa available: 90 days.  I have planned very little (how else do you react to the moment?) but this does not mean I am so naive as to travel blind in China.  My housemate from university lives in Beijing.  I planned to visit her.

With all that happened before I got here it is a good thing I am adaptable!  

The 8-hour time difference with China made it difficult to communicate with my friend.  This became quite an issue because Chinese New Year was approaching, and every Chinese person recommends that you experience New Year.  I am also strapped for cash, so I booked a cheap unchangeable flight – only to learn that for my first week in China my friend would be in Japan!  This would not be so bad, if it were not for the advice in every guide book:  do not come for Chinese New Year!  Apparently the accommodation fills up and everything is closed.  Hmm.

How would I buy my food?  How could I get around?  How would I even get from the airport??  Even if I managed that, how in the world do I find the few beds that might still be free, within a huge city?  How do I do all this – without language?!!

What an inconvenience.  Although this would be a much better introduction to a country.  I experience China directly, without the watchful protection of my host.  I imagined this would mean suffering a dirty, small hostel environment for the week, and having to arrange my life all on my own…

My friend explained she was leaving a day later, so would meet me at the airport.  I could stay at hers if I liked, but she had a better idea.  We arrived at Beijing’s International University and as it was holiday they had rooms to rent.  The location was perfect:  it is on the colloquially named ‘University Road’, where many universities (including the world class Peking and Tsinghua Universities) are located.  Numerous foreign (that’s me) students and teachers visit the area so the locals are accustomed to our ways.  I have a large en suite room with TV… kettle… phone… and fridge!

I don’t even have to clean up.