Beijing First Impressions
Just spent four memorable days in Beijing. It was my first visit to the city and I was captivated. The city revealed itself to be disarmingly friendly and creative, quite unlike some of the portrayals I have heard from other travellers. In particular it was a delight to walk around some of the Hutong districts, with their cool and funky cafes, bars and stores as well as taking in classic tourist features like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.
The city was blanketed in thick fog, so most of my photos are of the “atmospheric” variety. Still, it was great to be shooting, writing, walking and thinking in a different city for a few days.
When I get my legs under the desk for a longer stretch, I’ll come back with some more thoughts and photos.
I wonder if you perceived it more favourably because you have become used to Asiatic life from the time you’ve spent in Hong Kong? It’s quite possibly a big culture shock for un-acquainted ‘westerners’ and is therefore seen through that filter.