had me going to a two-story german restaurant in the embassy district, to dine on mashed potatoes and to drink tsingdao in a stein glass with my coworkers and colleagues from our sister company.
bunch of tall european men, chinese from different provinces, 3 americans (moi included), and 3 british ladies all thrown into the mix. serenaded by a cover band from the philippines with a penchant for one hit wonders from the 70s. but not for long, chinese love to karoke. so wannabe superstars took over the mic and belted out current hits and songs sang by teng lijun that even i knew growing up as a kid (due to her cassette tapes played on repeat during long road trips by my nostalgic parents).
nights like these, typical in beijing. hard to replicate elsewhere.
makes me wonder in a good way, just exactly how long will i be “stuck” here in bj.
