Beida, Xie men!

First thing one needs to know are Beijing University: how to take the cab back in the middle of the night. Just say "Beida Xie Men" aka Beijing University, West Gate.

Being that I've been here for about 3 weeks now ( and about 2 weeks of Beida), I'm finally getting settled in. Beijing isn't looking so dirty anymore, but definitely I feel like my appetite hasn't fully settled back to my normal (gigantic) porportions. So here's a brief update about the area.

Wudaokou: a straight road from Beida into the lively food and bar area. It's also where you can take the subway. I have found out how cab drivers LOVE to rip foreigners off even driving a straight line back from the clubs to Beida by taking the longer way, and racking up the bill to another 5 or so quai. I hate feeling so helpless in those situations and often yell at them.

In Wudaokou, you have a variety of drinking places to head out to.
1) Beer Garden- its not much of a beerfest there, but for 4 quai, you can get a glass of yanjing beer. Hungry? There are tons of skewer stands surrounding this garden like area with cheap (questionably health hazardous) food. Then again, last night I ate some grilled skewer my friend bought after drinking and I think it was cartilage. oh well, it was 1 quai.
2) Lush- an all foriegner attending bar/lounge, with a pretty chilled atmosphere along with some yummy food. Though I have to say I'm never getting spicy thai noodles ever again since that almost killed me. They do have spaghetti though.
3) ZUB- managed by the same guy from Lush, ZUB is more of a lounge/club with good music. Minus that Saturday that was somehow reggae night. Wednesday is an amazing ladies night with 4 coupons to share with the boys. I've been there twice already for ladies night and just keep on loving it. The manager there is one cool Aussie, though it's not cool he forgot my name the second week. I'll let it slide since he talks to everyone and there's no way he can remember them all.
4) Proproganda- Seen with a nice red star glowing within 5 steps from ZUB's doorway, Proproganda also has some cool parties going on there. To not have conflicting interests, Proproganda hosts the all you can drink night on Wednesdays, whereas it's Thursdays for ZUB.

Now you know where I frequent the most lol. Soooo gotta get outta that area but it's just too fun.

Next: Food.
1) Kro's Nest: After students found out about this little hideaway place, I think they've gone at least 2-5 times. At least for me it's twice. This delectable place has real pizza and delicious food. It's plus or minus a little expensive, at least compared to my 5quai meals on campus.

2) Dim Sum: It's located on the 5th floor of the electronics plaza at this cool restaurant. I went there 3 times already, though the 3rd time it was a little disappointing. If you go at night, they have dishes there for 3 quai each. I heart my chicken feet and cow's stomach.

3) Hotpot: Sam (this chinese guy) brought a bunch of us to this Szechuan hotpot place where it was free beer and amazing food. Zack accidently ate a pepper and was tripping up during the rest of the meal. I heart hotpot and my beef. Definitely a great night.

4) Shaolong bao- There's this 24hr joint that has real soup included shaolong bao. Basically those are steamed meat dumplings with some soup in it that comes from shanghai. I tried out this place last night and was f*kingtastic. Amazing midnight snack.