Kristine's 'new' acquisition is a used bike that costs RMB70, my bike came as a long term loan from Miri's parents. Last Sunday with Kimmie on back seat, the three of us cycled to local market 1.5km away. Kristine's first exposure to heavy traffic, but she did well. We came home safely with loads of vegies and fruits. |
Collected her new passport toda, by bicycle. 40mins on way there but it took longer on way back as I wandered through little alleys behind the main thoroughfares. Cycling around Beijing in Spring is comfortable, except the strong cold wind this morning. It is a wonderful way to get around fast, bypassing traffic jams that stop and start. There is no speed limit and no traffic signs to obey. I love cycling on pavements the other side of road, against the traffic. Like to have my eyes fixed on oncoming traffic. Photos: 1. Women Police on bicycle, probably on way to work or after. They dont normally patrol on bikes 2. SanLiTun Bar Street. This street comes alive late at night. It used to be bars and eateries on both sides of street, but now one side is rebuilt as shopping arcades. Morocco and Venezuela embassies are at end of this street. 3. A minor road feeding into 3rd Ring Road. Park an ywhich way 4. Aust Embassy at noon. Visa section closed for the day but consular section is still opened 5. CCTV Towers. Landmark building along 3rd Ring Road. The one that perches on 2 bird legs is a modern day architecture wonder. The smaller sibling was burned down by firecrackers 2 CNY ago. 6 Heading home. Taken outside Embassy with my new Ferrarri bike, donated by Mirabelle's parents. |
A lady (a Chinese national who speaks excellent English) called from the embassy today saying Kimmie's new passport is now ready for collection. I said to her 'but I just submitted the application on Monday!!!!!'. 3 full working days to turn around a passport application. This is faster than applying for the sae in Australia. There was a long queue outside the embassy on Monday as usual, but anyone with valid Aussie passports are allowed in straight away by showing the passports to the military police manning the gate. Kimmie did that, and that caused a stir with other queuing onlookers.... The embassy is now known as 'Father Australia's home' to Kimmie. |
Quite time at Westernport Bay. The daytime fish has gone hiding, the nighttime fish has yet to show up. |
Some fish from the Murray River. 55cm Golden Perch, a turtle, a carp, a Silver Perch. |
