Beijing. I bought a hilarious bike yesterday that’s about two sizes too small but too cool not to buy. It gets me to work in style plus manages fairly well on late-night voyages from downtown back up to the 4th ring where we’re relegated.

Nothing much to report yet music-wise unless you count the live C-pop at almost every cheesy bar in the city.. with the possible exception of a large and fun feathered hacky-sack and ballroom dancing Sunday night gathering at the lakes - more on that later. I’ve been working fairly long days and time-off has been spent playing the tourist a bit before I get jaded. Fun nights exploring different districts, necessary stops at cities Forbidden, good food, iffy weather.

Most importantly, my first impression of the people of Beijing is great: friendly, sharp, informal, sarcastic and funny. Olympic crackdown, perhaps, but the people more than anything make me already really like this city more than I expected. Plus the Beijing accent is great, even for someone who only speaks about four words of Mandarin.

Patience, patience.. I’ll come back to you with music soon. I’m here until mid-September, afterall, and the last month has been more than busy. A few contacts have been made and I’ve started to scope out the city. Language is a problem, but hopefully some local contacts will help me work that side out. If you happen to be reading this in Beijing and have some tips to share - music or otherwise - get in touch. The beer, as always, is on Benn loxo.