4A Beijing Residency
I got up a little later than usual, it was almost 8am so I decided to go for a really quick run because I was feeing kind of lazy and I didn’t want to be too sweaty for our walk into the town markets for breakfast. As it turns out Yenzu decided she would drive us in anyway, she is such a gem. Apparently last night Shen kept partying all the way up until Yenzu drove him to the airport at 4am, he is a machine and she is unstoppable! Eugenia went back for some family time and Justin, Yenzu, Kristina and I headed into town. We had steam buns and bean porridge for breakfast and got a few bits and pieces at the grocery store. We’re all a bit hooked on the Nescafe instant sachets of super sweet fake coffee, we also stocked up on dessert bun things, pretty much buying whatever the shop assistant pointed to. We came back to Shen’s and I got stuck into planning my work timetable for when I get home. We had a big lunch with loads of delicious vegetarian stuff and all headed back to our respective work spots. I started writing a bit of a speech that I have to deliver next month. The theatre next door seemed to be testing their equipment and there was some quite beautiful, but incredibly loud music blasting out all afternoon. Around 4pm Justin and I did a bit of exercise and Eugenia, Susan, Ida and Qino arrived to hang out and have dinner. We hung around chatting for a bit and had a vegetarian dinner. Next door seemed to come to life again and there was a very fancy event going on. After dinner we headed upstairs to check it out ad could see a full stage show with a DJ and live Chinese opera, spotlights and a huge LED moon. There were lot’s of rich looking people streaming in and out and a lot of chefs walking around. Ida as having a great time dancing away while everyone else kept her from getting too close to the railing. The show finished and we wandered inside one of the upstairs studio to find Yenzu busily painting away for Shen. Seriously, she does so much work cooking, driving, cleaning, giving head massages as well as being an amazing painter finishing massive works for Shen on a Sunday night. Completely unstoppable. I hung out with Justin for a while and chatted to Anna before doing a little more grant writing. Time for bed I reckon.