What was SUPPOSED to be the first Post in this Blog.

This was actually supposed to be my first post on this blog. I have been writing almost every day since I got here, but this one was the first, so it deserves noting that this post is roughly 6 weeks old. Still relevant though.

Beijing ground pounding.

Never let it be said that the big B is an insurmountable task to get around in even for the most untraveled of folk. It may be daunting at first, but it is possible to get around this burg with limited knowledge of the language.

As with anyplace you may get dropped into headfirst with no knowledge of the general area, you need a good since of general direction. This is key, especially in an area where there are precious few pictogram to rely on.

FIRST DAY

If you are traveling from the us to the big smoke, an important safety tips. When you arrive have your hosts take you out and get you nice and hammered as soon as you get in, no matter the time you arrive. This may seem like an unnecessary extravagance. It is not. For a couple of important reasons.

ONE. They will most probably take you to one of the closest neighborhood bars. Love this place. It is now your first anchor point outside of the place you are resting your head at night. When you are cut loose and you are on your own, this will be the most important reference point you have if you somehow stupidly get locked out of your flop. Yes. That will happen. Make friends with the bartenders, the owner if possible. These people will be a lifeline, so treat them with respect, even though they are laughing at you initially for being the green cherry you are.

TWO. You just spent 16 or so fucking hours on a plane, with probable layover. You are tired, but you will need to sleep. A LOT. To accomplish this, you will need to subject your body to as much central nervous system depressants as you can, and cheap beer will accomplish this in handy order. Your friends may have to pour you into the bed afterwords, but this is necessary, so just take it. When you wake up, you will have a hangover that will kill a small thing rhino. This is Also normal. Drink quart of water, take 2 aspirin, and go back to bed format day or so. You will need this rest to kill the jet lag.