Hammocks and Houhai
This past weekend was another hot one in Beijing, but luckily the air quality fell within a more healthy range (still unhealthy, but it's all relative) so we took advantage and spent some quality time outdoors.
Saturday was very relaxing. We lounged in a two-person hammock (a concept that is perhaps better in theory) in the courtyard outside our apartment, reading and working our way through a puzzle book. For a late lunch, we walked to the corner stand to purchase these large savory crepe-like snacks that are filled with cilantro, cabbage, and hot sauce. I was without a doubt reticent to try any street food, but it was actually quite delicious and I will definitely be getting it again.
Later that evening, we met up with a few friends for dinner. We decided to bike to a nearby restaurant that looked promising. However, when we arrived, the restaurant was still empty, which we took as a cue to keep searching. This change of plans was a blessing in disguise. On our quest to find a new restaurant, we ended up weaving our way through a maze of cool back alleys lined with small shops and eateries. The smell of meat being barbecued on the street and the sound of people chatting and laughing outside their shops filled the air. It had an air of authenticity that seemed to pay homage to traditional China. We found a cute restaurant in that area and although the food didn't exactly sit well in everyone's stomachs, it was worth it for the experience.
On Sunday, a group of seven of us made plans to walk around Houhai, an area known for its lake and the surrounding hutongs. The lake was beautiful, dotted with rental boats and swimmers. Large, weeping trees shaded the walking path and added an air of romance. The hutongs immediately lining the lake were brimming with modern bars and restaurants playing lots of live music and karaoke. However, as we meandered down side streets, we experienced less touristy sites and stumbled upon a wonderful restaurant with a comfortable rooftop. The evening breeze coupled with the good company made for a wonderful meal and the perfect way to end the weekend.
Saturday was very relaxing. We lounged in a two-person hammock (a concept that is perhaps better in theory) in the courtyard outside our apartment, reading and working our way through a puzzle book. For a late lunch, we walked to the corner stand to purchase these large savory crepe-like snacks that are filled with cilantro, cabbage, and hot sauce. I was without a doubt reticent to try any street food, but it was actually quite delicious and I will definitely be getting it again.
Later that evening, we met up with a few friends for dinner. We decided to bike to a nearby restaurant that looked promising. However, when we arrived, the restaurant was still empty, which we took as a cue to keep searching. This change of plans was a blessing in disguise. On our quest to find a new restaurant, we ended up weaving our way through a maze of cool back alleys lined with small shops and eateries. The smell of meat being barbecued on the street and the sound of people chatting and laughing outside their shops filled the air. It had an air of authenticity that seemed to pay homage to traditional China. We found a cute restaurant in that area and although the food didn't exactly sit well in everyone's stomachs, it was worth it for the experience.
On Sunday, a group of seven of us made plans to walk around Houhai, an area known for its lake and the surrounding hutongs. The lake was beautiful, dotted with rental boats and swimmers. Large, weeping trees shaded the walking path and added an air of romance. The hutongs immediately lining the lake were brimming with modern bars and restaurants playing lots of live music and karaoke. However, as we meandered down side streets, we experienced less touristy sites and stumbled upon a wonderful restaurant with a comfortable rooftop. The evening breeze coupled with the good company made for a wonderful meal and the perfect way to end the weekend.
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