Downtown Beijing

Here are some more photos from Tim's trip to Beijing. This is a northern suburb of Beijing - along the Fifth Ringroad. You can see that there is a lot of new construction happening. 

Huh?

Here is an example of why they might need some help with their translation of advertising slogans... 

Peking Duck

Here the chef at a restaurant specialising in "Peking Duck" prepares a meal for Tim and his group. The restaurant is near Tiananmen Square in Beijing (formerly Peking...) 

More Chinese Art

Here are some more things Tim brought back from China - this carved wooden plaque is of a dragon. 

Starbucks is Everywhere!

And here is a Beijing mug from Starbucks! 

Tim's Trip to Beijing

Here are some photos from Tim's trip to Beijing. This is a palace within the Forbidden City. There were a lot of people around when Tim was in Beijing because it was a national holiday when he was there - "National Day Holiday"..... 

The Imperial Palace

This is one of the temples in the Forbidden City. This was the Imperial Palace for many years. If you have seen the movie The Last Emperor, this is where it was filmed. 

Restorations in Progress

Here is a detail of the Imperial Palace. They are repainting and restoring all of the buildings within the Forbidden City for the upcoming Beijing Olympics. 

Lions on Guard

Here is a stone lion from the Forbidden City - notice the traffic sign in Chinese at the back? Tim said it was wild to be driven around in Beijing - apparently people drive pretty fast and vaguely towards the middle of the road... 

Tim's Birthday

Today (19th Sept) was Tim's birthday! We went out to celebrate at a local Italian restaurant. Tim has been very excited since returning from China. He brought back beautiful artwork from Beijing. Here he is by his favorite pieces, two large scrolls with a Chinese poem on them. 

More Artwork

These are my favorite pieces Tim brought back from China - they are a set of painted scrolls called "The Four Seasons" and they are very delicate and on a gorgeous heavy fabric background. 

Tim's Hotel in Rotterdam

Here is Tim's flash hotel in Rotterdam - Novotel Rotterdam Brainpark. I've asked for a t-shirt that says "brainpark" but we'll just have to see...  

Tim going to the Hague!

Tim is having fun in the Netherlands - today he is going to see an art exhibit in the Hague featuring the Dutch artist MC Esher. 

One of Esher's drawings

This is one of my favorites by Esher - see more of Esher's work at www.mindspring.com/~mc.escher/escher.html.