It was a busy second week with my Director visiting and the semester in full force. Student behaviour, academic concerns and various new initiatives kept the week moving forward. As the weekend approached I needed a plan. I do not like to be idle on my days off. Wendy gave me a few ideas and I had my goal. To visit the largest park in Beijing and find out more about the Solana shopping district which is connected to the park.
I did my research and started out with screen-shots and subway directions. As always I found my destination but not without a few questions and some dead end searching. I have become accustom with these hick-ups and they do not bother me as before. I often stumble upon another destination or site or see something I have experienced before. I am beginning to connect the dots so to speak with this great city. I see how neigbourhoods/districts are connected not just with the subway but streets as well.
The park visit was great and I know this will become a favourite destination for Wendy and I once she is settled in Beijing. The shopping district Solana was awesome with great western restaurants and many stores. I rented a mobike and began to tour around and connected another place I had visited to my present location. I also stumbled upon a pipeshop and took advantage and bought an Italian pipe, tobacco and went to the Great Leap Brewery. Good draft and hamburger and fries. Liangmaqiao is a subway stop on line 10 and a major street. These destinations were all on or just off this street. It was a treat for me to connect different locations and gave me a sense of confidence and pride as i am beginning to navigate the city better. I was home before 5 giving me time to visit my health spa, settle in for a movie and share my day with Wendy.
This weekend coming i plan to attend another venue at the Performing Arts Centre. The Chinese Symphony Orchestra on Saturday performing a wonder repertoire and climbing the highest peak of the Beijing area Mount Ling, 2300 m above sea level. Wish me luck!!
Solana 
Spring 
Solana 
Blossoms
Park