Here’s a random set of photos from China. I promise, next post will be something other than the Red Country.

This move is aptly named the ‘Beijing Squat’. Everyone from young men to old women drop down like this when they’re just lampin. Us foreigners can hold the position for a few minutes before the legs start burning, but the Chinese have this down pat. It’s actually a pretty slick move, when there are no chairs around and you’re sick of standing, bust this out.

Pretty sure everyone knows what this is, if not, it’s the famous Olympic stadium from the 2008 Summer Games, aka the Bird’s Nest. If you’re ever in Beijing, hit it up at night for a far more impressive sight.

Right across from the Bird’s Nest is the Water Cube. A few years ago this is where Michael Phelps won his record setting 8 gold medals. Now it has been converted into one of Asia’s illest indoor water parks.

Watchin the watchers. This woman is one of many people who stand around the Olympic sights offering to take your picture and give you a photo to commemorate the occassion. But what happens when the ‘unsuspecting tourist’ has a camera? This photo.

Although this pic is a little blurry, this little guy was far too gangsta to not post. Mohawk, camo jacket, Burberry scarf…this little guy got more swag than 99% of the dudes I see walking around.

Reason number 2,045 China is the shit. Bazaar style markets on the street everyday. Case in point, one night I was outside drinking some beer, feelin a little too cold for comfort. Bounced across the street and picked up a ‘North Face’ jacket for 10 bucks. Not cold after that.

I happened to catch some bears boxing on TV. Yes, you read correctly. Bears. Boxing. This type of shit would never fly in America, but in China, bears box for entertainment. It was pretty amazing to be honest, they walked on their back legs, threw jabs and blocked, I was astonished how well these bears were trained…but at the same time felt bad for them. Unfortunately I only had time to snap a pic after the bear in blue won.

A popular snack in Beijing during the Fall, chestnuts. To be honest, they’re not that good.

One of the most delicious foods you will eat in China, hot pot. It’s basically like fondue in the sense you cook your own food. Beware though, it has the potential to give you a wicked bad stomach if you’re not used to it.

by Matt McM