Culinary Arts and delights, but not what I expected

On my second day in Beijing, today was also another day of food antics. Breakfast was unusual. I sat at the table and without having ordered anything, the meal arrived. Congee (a type of porridge made with rice), spiced pickled vegetables and two large pieces of very tasty steamed dough were placed in front of me and within a few minutes only the empty plates were left. Delicious! Normally this is not my breakfast of choice but I would recommend this to any visitor to China. A traditional breakfast with fast and friendy service at a small Chinese hotel, a great way to experience Beijing.

In the evening I was also expecting the usual excellent service in the local Chinese restaurant. Maybe the chefs have telepathic skills here as well as culinary ones because no sooner do you finish the last syllable of your order, your meal arrives, but not tonight. It took me and fellow customers a while to work out the problem but eventually we wised up. Tonight is a major event for China and everybody wants to share this with their friends and family, and good food. The restaurant was overwhelmed with orders for meals to take out and I have to give the kitchen team a lot of credit. I have never seen so many meals prepared in such a short time, with only a small amount of shouting and tempers frayed. It was just a shame that none of it was for me.

Spectacular and unique

Tonight the streets were deserted in Beijing. The House of Switzerland was buzzing with excitement for the spectacular opening ceremony and finding a taxi was such a challenge that they could make it an Olympic sport. None of this posed any problems for Stephanie who was making sure that the restaurant, bar and VIP areas were running smoothly for the "César Ritz" Colleges team so that the public could enjoy the festivities at the best opening to an Olympic Games I have ever seen. Although to be honest, it is also the only one I have seen, but it was spectacular.

Stephanie taking a few seconds to watch the spectacular ceremony

Jam sessions at the House of Switzerland

Not only is chocolate and ice cream proving to be a success but the band playing traditional Swiss music are a huge hit. As you can see in the photo, their hands-on approach lets visitors to the House of Switzerland join in with the music. The lady in the foreground is using the spoons as a musical instrument although on reflection she may have brought her own spoons today and is just on her way to the ice cream stand.

Live music at the full size reconstruction of the bridge at the HOS, lake included