Days 10/11 - Aug 14 + 15

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THURS AUG 14 (Day 10)

I managed to get up at 7am this morning! Showered and had some breaky and out the door at 745. Arrived at Guomao around 815 and walked around the area taking pictures of the business district. I met Denise back in the station at 915 and we headed to badminton. Today it was Men's Singles and Mixed Doubles 1/4 finals! The #2 + #4 MS won and #1 and #3 XD won. Afterwards it was around 2pm so I was looking for something to do. I added more money to my phone card because it had run out. Then I went to SoHo area to go to the internet cafe but before I could make it there, Beijing was hit with a major rain storm. It was heavy heavy rain for nearly an hour causing some minor flooding etc. I dashed into a Chinese fast food place and ate verryyyy slowly. Finally I left when it had calmed down to light rain and walked the remaining distance to the other building. I stayed in the Internet Cafe for 2 hours because it began to rain out even harder once again. Finally after 530ish I left there and walked to Guomao station area. There was some shopping and stuff but I decided to find something more productive to do. I went to the information booth to decide where to go and after doing some quick research I made some plans. So I went into the McDonalds to grab a quick dinner. I found a small table which was infront of this big LCD Tv. Next thing I knew it was 630 and they had live coverage of the other 1/4 final badminton session! So needless to say, after one full meal and a couple desserts, I was still in McDonalds at 10pm after watching 2 Mixed games and 2 Men's Singles including Lin Dan vs. Peter Gade! Finally I left there and headed home. Got back around 11 and talked on the phone for a few and now just relaxing.

FRI AUG 15 (Day 11)

This morning I was suppose to get up but because I didn't have to, I slept in till 10. Had some chocolate danish-style bun with some Iced Tea. This morning was a rare and spectacular "Beijing blue sky day." It was the first 100% clear day I have had here since I arrived and it really does change things. Everything is just a little better (except for the fact that there are hundreds of umbrellas when you're walking around outside). But it was a good heat for the majority of the day - not a stuffy heat. It was great for pictures and the city just seemed a lot more beautiful when it's clear out. So anyway I planned out my day, cleaned a little and left. Out I went around 1130 and headed for the Temple of Heaven. I arrived there just past 12 and walked around for a bit before I went in. Once I was there I did some sightseeing and took many pictures as always. It was another large property with lots of scenery and big meaningful temples and stuff. It was very pretty though. I finally found some souvenirs to buy so I jumped at the opportunity and got it all done. I also bought this ice cream bar - most delicious one ever (comparible with that Canadian Mint one from years ago!). Then I walked around the place more, and then spent more money in one of the Olympic stores on site. It was now after 3 so I headed off for Tian'amen plaza. I walked around the area for a little bit and then went to a travel place to check on tickets. Then I crossed the street to this place that said "British Columbia Canadian Exhibition." It was actually a brand new Exhibition centre, 4 floors dedicated to history/modernism of Beijing and a seperate rather large area for BC. I got in for free as I am a Canadian citizen. Inside they showcased Vancouver and previewed the 2010 Olympics. They also had an HBC Olympic store with prices much more than in Canada for the same merchandise. So I spent just over an hour going through there and it was pretty interesting and it was the most english I've heard this whole trip. I went back out and finished the rest of Tian'amen Plaza which is actually a very large space. Secturity presence was everywhere but it was pretty good. They also had the Olympic 'Garden' on the site so I took lots of pictures of that - beautiful garden work. Then I went across the street to the last part of the area and into another scenic temple/garden place. It was good but it was getting late and I had a lot to do. I left there just after 7 and went to XiDan. I went to do a couple quick shopping stops and leave. However, the place is like a shopping mecca. There are malls/stores everywhere! So I went to "Grand Pacific" which is like Beijing's largest Department Store. And I also went to this massive mall called "JOY City." And a couple other stores along the street. After making 0 purchases, I headed for Wangfujing just after 9. I got to the "flagship" Olympic store around 930. It closed at 10 but by the time I got through the chaos and lineups, I was nearly 400Y poorer and it was after 1030. I went to the McDonalds right next store for a "quick" dinner but by the time I got through the lineup there and done eating, it was nearly 11:15. I got home at 12, unpacked, had a talk, prepped for the big tour tomorrow and gonna sleep soon - nearly 2 =S