Beijing

We arrived in Beijing in the middle of the night and the airport was half-empty and the toilets were ultra-clean. Getting to city centre was hell enough but we managed to get to our hostel. Beijing is massive and too familiar for me. A bit like Kuala Lumpur, concrete city with make-believe local culture. Our first breakfast was a McDonald's wasabi flavoured fish fillet burger. Usman liked it. I thought it tasted weird.

First meal in China - WASABI FILLET-O-FISH! Disgraceful.

Finding halal food in Beijing was easy enough. We were surprised how easy it was actually. Usman said "it's easier than England". Muslim establishments are everywhere and they are usually marked with some sort of Arabic signs. They usually serve noodles but some have Beijing specialty like Peking Duck (which was amazing). In fact as we discovered later, halal food is virtually everywhere in China.

Usman trying out his Hotpot.

Lamasery.

Chinese people are incredibly friendly. Sometimes when we asked for directions, we were often led to the place even if it took them 15 minutes (or more!). One time when we were looking for a new hostel in Beijing, this guy came to us and offered his help without hesitation. He called the hotel, told them the details and after that walked us to the hotel. It probably took about 40 minutes of his time but he was so pleased that he could help us. And that was not the last that we receive of this sort of kindness.

In front of the Tiananmen Gate

That said, sometimes we do get pissed off (can't help it sometimes). Despite their generosity, Chinese people have absolutely no concept of personal space or privacy. Usman get stared at so much, he's beginning to feel uncomfortable. Sometimes he get stared at at a very close range it's ridiculous.

Cow Street Mosque

We've left Beijing ages ago, so I don't know what to write about. So hopefully the pictures will do all the talking. I'll add more photos, I'm off to Friday prayers.

-Ihsan