Where is the cheese?

Today we traveled to a traditional Chinese shopping district.  This was so cool because it was like a walking mall.  All the shops sold traditional Chinese gifts.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  Alexa and I were not exactly sure where we were going, but when we exited off the bus we found a Mexican restaurant right here in Beijing!  We knew we had to be on the right track.  Just yesterday I was mentioning that I wanted some chips and salsa and here it was, right in front of me.  We walked and shopped for a while but we came for the Chinese cheese.  We started asking around “where is the cheese?” in broken Mandarin.  Everyone knew what we were talking about of course.  However, we could not understand their directions and just followed the pointing.  Eventually, the pointing changed directions.  With the help of maybe 15 different people, we finally found the cheese.  I hope to be able to attach a photo to this blog of the ever so elusive cheese.  It was very tasty, but nothing like western cheese. 

Alexa and I decided to eat dinner at the Mexican restaurant and see Beijing’s approach to the cuisine.  We walked in and the only table there was English speakers.  During our dinner we saw 2 other English speaking parties.  Pretty interesting, how do the Chinese get other Chinese interested in eating beans for dinner?  Well, I can say that it was delicious.  Not sure if it was because the food was familiar compared to the different food I have been eating or if it really was good.  Comparing it to Missoula’s Mexican food, I am going with Beijing’s Mexican food was better! Upon returning to the subway, we ran into a whole courtyard full of older Chinese woman about 55 and up dancing to music.  It was choreographed and everyone was moving together.  I think this was their exercise hour.  We watched for a while and it made me happy to see.

Earlier in the afternoon, we visited the largest law firm in China today and engaged in question and answers with the top criminal litigator.  I greatly enjoyed the discussion.  Now I am tired and must study for our final examination tomorrow.  It will be our last day in Beijing.  We have a banquet dinner and then karaoke party!  It should be interesting.  On Saturday, we fly to Guiyang.

Cheese, check!