Eye of Modok

It’s hard to get used to the idea that it really is getting cool. A lot of people have been complaining that its cold, but to my Ohio winter-hardened self, it is immensely invigorating. The sun is warm and soft, but the breeze is cool. Except when there’s too much wind. It’s really been kicking up these past couple of days, to mixed effect. On the positive side, it’s great to see the mountains! I always feel comforted by mountains’ presence, so its nice to be reminded that much of Beijing’s county regions are quite mountainous. It’s time to go hiking! The air is much fresher in the city now, but imagine how it must be in the mountains!

On the down side, all of the dust that flies in your face and covers you with grit puts a definite damp on the splendor. If you stay away from construction sites, you can avoid it, but where in Beijing can you be far from a construction site? Alas, a ray of hope. Parts of Beijing like the area around Dawang Lu are starting to feel developed. The beginnings of a “scene” are appearing. It’s comforting to know that Beijing is committed to a green olympics, and that new construction is heavily restricted after this year.

[tags] Beijing, construction, pollution, autumn, mountains, hiking [/tags]