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Saturdays in Beijing–Catching Up with Old Friends

Since the Saturday we arrived on August 1st, we’ve been doing something special on each Saturday thereafter. This day offers the perfect time to escape and seek adventure in our new home–Beijing, China.

On the first Saturday, we met up with friends made while teaching in Caracas, Venezuela: Debbie Diaz and Jane Farrelly and Phil Clark with their little one Leo (Leo was born one week after Maria “Gigi” Louise.) We met for dumplings at this beautiful park that is actually 700+ years old! It was so pretty, and the kids had fun wondering around.

From left to right you can see Leo, Gigi, Phil, Kevin, Vincent, Jane, Ann, and Debbie.
From left to right you can see Leo, Gigi, Phil, Kevin, Vincent, Jane, Ann, and Debbie.

Our favorite new meal: Chinese dumplings!
Our favorite new meal: Chinese dumplings!
Kevin with his hot plate....
Kevin with his hot plate....

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Vincent and Leo
Vincent and Leo

Jane and Annie
Jane and Annie

After a wonderful lunch on this ancient lake, we then went to another lake to test out the electric boats.  I was on the fastest one with the V-Man!

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Debbie and Jane just cruisin' around....
Debbie and Jane just cruisin' around....

Gigi at the wheel!
Gigi at the wheel!

After our excursion on this second lake, we went to the famous The Village at Sanlitun.  It’s been highlighted for it’s contemporary architecture and savvy shops.  It was pretty cool, and the “fake” market was right across the street.  Gigi was able to jump into the fountain since it was so easy to get her a spare (or two) outfit.

Here's Gigi in front of one of The Village buildings.
Here's Gigi in front of one of The Village buildings.

Gigi had a blast in the fountain.
Gigi had a blast in the fountain.

And it was H-O-T!
And it was H-O-T!

These last few photos are random shots taken from the morning, but they were interesting enough to want to add them to this post.  We started this Saturday out by visiting a HUGE market called the Dirt Market where people arrive and place their wares to sell right on the ground.  There are stalls too.  Oh, and guess where going back to this next Saturday?  The Dirt Market!

This is just one covered area....
This is just one covered area....

This is a sample of the parking.  The cars get elevated.  It seemed bizarre!
This is a sample of the parking. The cars get elevated. It seemed bizarre!

Pay attention: these are all the things you are not allowed to do in the park!
Pay attention: these are all the things you are not allowed to do in the park!

So, that was our first Saturday here.  We’ve had two more that I’ll be posting shortly.  We definitely are enjoying our Saturdays; in fact the next one is only four days away!

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