Went apple picking with HT and Jane, at a town outside of Beijing. The normal journey should take around 40mins but it took 1hr 40mins that Sunday afternoon. Not much daylight left for apple picking but we did well.

Apple prices are at historic high this season due to poorer harvest, but the orchards around Beijing never need to sell their apples the traditional ways: wholesalers/markets. These orchards around Beijing cater to Beijing residents wanting to pick their own, at prices even higher than supermarket prices.

 

Grace dragged us to Huanlegu (A Beijing 'Disneyland' copy) for Halloween Friday. We arrived at 7pm and left just before 9. Very crowded, Very young crowd with loooooong queues at the gates and every game and ride.

 

Courtesy from Tom, we spent a weekend at Jianguo Hotel (a 5star hotel in central Beijing) for free. Kids enjoyed the pool and spa. While the kids opted for McDonalds for dinner, Grace and I dined at the Chinese restaurant in the hotel.

 

Tom subscribed to an annual membership package at this hotel. For just 1688 yuan, a member gets 3 free room nights (Executive Suite, Graden Room, and a Standard Room), which more than pays for the subscription. Just a standard room alone costs 700 yuan per night. Throw in 2 buffet breakfasts per stay at 100 yuan each. On top of that, a member gets cash vouchers worth more than 1000 yuan redeemable at the hotel outlets.

 

While the kids opted for McDonalds for dinner, Grace and I dined at the Chinese restaurant in the hotel. We redeemed a 100 yuan voucher and further enjoyed a 50% off the balance.

 

We cycled to the hotel.

 

family haircut

 

We had a family group haircut at a salon nearby. Kristine and Kimmie's cut and wash costs 10yuan each before discount, and mine was 20yuan. 25% off, deducted from Grace's prepaid account at that salon.