July photos

Finally some photos from Beijing in July. I haven't had access to blogspot for a few weeks now, following the riots in Xinjiang province. Every time there is violence in China, the government blocks websites like these to prevent people from sharing photos or videos from the events.

Our bird 'Guazi', terrorizing us both :)

He's a big fan of Steve Coogan

Tian'anmen Square on a misty morning. It had been foggy all morning and I decided to walk over to the square to see what it looks like. I couldn't see across.

Tian'anmen Square

Chen Yi, all ready to go on a trip to the beach

Our bird being silly.

He was actually stuck for a few seconds before shaking off his 'helmet'

I'm still not sure what he was looking for

We made dumplings at a friend's place one day. We four made over 100 of them! We used banana for stuffing as an experiment, and it tastes pretty good!


nice

Strawberry Festival Beijing 2009

The May day celebrations this year featured a 3-day music festival in a park (Tongzhou Park) just outside Beijing. The annual "MIDI-Festival" was moved to another city this year, but the Strawberry Festival was a good substitute.


Large crowds gathered to see the popular Chinese rock and folk bands, but there were also international (American) bands who attracted mostly foreigners.



The Main Stage

DJ Liman

Colorful festival goers

More colorful party people

Crowd

Great way to spend a sunny weekend!

The Pet Conspiracy gave a great show!

Professional equipment. It seemed like everyone had a camera; and big ones too!
As this was the first time for this festival, everyone was eager to capture the atmosphere.

Rock couple :)

Note the tattoo, and the group of policemen watching :)

The main stage

Unusual fan

One of our friends, holding balloons

more impressions from Beijing

Photos from walks around Beijing in spring


For "pain or pox", I now know where to go!

This old man is practicing calligraphy on the pavement with a large brush and water. He is writing a Chinese poem. His art only lasts for a minute or two, before drying up.

Bicycle and old couch in a hutong

Super scooter :)

A young policeman standing guard at the Olympic Park

Plants in the Old Summer Palace (Beihai park)

Mops hanging to dry in a hutong

An old man flying a kite. He is a professional (as far as flying kites is concerned)

Hidden pavilion in the park surrounding the Old Summer Palace

Endless flowers

Brass door knocker in a hutong

Door knockers

A wall of the White Dagoba in Beihai Park, covered with Buddha reliefs

Panda hat

"Old hutong"

Bicycles in front of a store in a hutong

The 'bubbles' of the Aqua Center in the Olympic park by night. The buildings there are beautifully lit, but the strong wind is annoying.

Close up of the 'Bird's Nest' by night

Close up of the 'Bird's Nest' by night

Zoom effect on the 'Bird's Nest'

Di Tan Gong Yuan

After visiting the "Temple of Heaven" park (Tian Tan gong yuan) two weeks ago, today we went to the "Temple of Earth" park (Di Tan gong yuan) to have a look. Entrance was a staggering 2 Yuan (Eur 0,20).


Beautiful fresh spring colors everywhere

My girlfriend had just bought a new camera, and constantly takes photos 'for practice', she says :)

rose bud

rose bud

rose bud

Adapted photo of the bark of a tree

lanterns

A bicycle in the park


While we were sitting down at a street barbecue restaurant, waiting for our chicken wings and lamb skewers, we met a little girl who was also interested in photography. She could barely lift the big camera, but she snatched it from our hands and started shooting away.

Street barbecue; the best!