This past year however, life in the hutongs has meant more to me than the vestiges of a global city on the rise. It’s been my haven and second home. Followers of The Ricetrail know that for the past year, I’ve been teaching photography at The Hutong, a culinary and arts school that also serves as a community center. I absolutely love it there. Not just because of the novelty, or the amazing students I’ve had, but the amazing people I’ve met and the relationships I’ve formed. One of these is my friend Joel, head chef at The Hutong, a tea guru, and (I’m fairly certain) the modern incarnation of Confucius.  The Hutong deserves it’s own entry (which is to come) but I when Joel offered me the chance to poke around his latest project, I couldn’t resist.

Doesn’t look like much yet, (especially the above photo, which… well.. is kind of lacking a roof.) But this is Joel and Youngcall’s latest project. A hutong hotel. Youngcall owns Tao Yao Bar, a gem in the middle of Beijing’s Houhai District. Together, they are like Batman and Robin of creativity, design and culinary arts. In a few short months.. this place is going to be unrecognizable for sure.

So, I mentioned that Joel is a chef and a tea master. And I’m sure by now you can see his affinity for hutongs. Well, he and Youngcall actually live in one as well. I fell in love with Chez Schuchat when I tagged along to a casual dinner a few weeks ago. Joel turned the courtyard into an amazing garden with bamboo, date trees (which are amazing and look like giant bonsai trees), as well as a herb and rose garden. Instead of a conventional dining room, they have a table in the courtyard with a giant umbrella. The perfect place to camp out and do a day’s worth of computer work.. on a rainy day.

I recently purchased a new lens (85mm 1.8 Nikon Prime) and my word.. I am so in love. It gives me razor-sharp images, and incredible bokeh. Oh and it lets me get all sneaky like and take candids like this one:

Not going to lie. Since hanging around Joel, I’ve developed an obsession for Chinese tea. We went to Maliandao, the local teal market.. and let’s just say, I came back with a lot more than I intended.

Chez Shuchat (and Youngcall!) is filled with all sorts of neat things from their amblings around the world. Like this lamp in the courtyard.

I found a tiny kitty at Youngcall’s bar. Small furry things do funny things to my heart. Have I mentioned how much I love my new 85mm?!?

Last but not least, Joel’s bike. I feel less like an eternal pedestrian here in Beijing, because almost everyone gets around on bikes. I’m not sure how they manage, but a whole family of three can fit on one of these (the father is usually quite tired, I’d imagine.) I’ve always been baffled by how these dainty Chinese girls are able to perch themselves on the back of a moving bike, and make it look so easy. I’ve realized two things:

1. it takes a good biker (i.e. one not afraid of their passenger digging their fingernails out of sheer terror)

2. necessity is the mother of invention. Sometimes, you just gotta get from point A to B.

Such was the case on Saturday. I finally was able to ride side-saddle (?) on the back of a Chinese bike. Omigosh. It was harrowing. Especially when Joel insists on biking like a madman. Going against traffic. DURING RUSH HOUR!!!!

I need a shot of myself on this thing to show how massive it is (my feet are almost a foot off the ground when I sit on the seat), but also for posterity. So I remember that I too can ride like a Chinese girl. Just maybe not so dainty-like though.

Meeting time: 10:00 AM
Meet up location: 798 Art District, SOUTH GATE (this is on Wan Hong Lu (万红路) there should be a big 798 Art District sign, where we will be meeting)
How to get there: From Dongzhimen metro station bus: 401, 418, 909, 955 (get off at Dashanzi Lukou Nan – 大山子路口南 station)

See larger on google maps

Please e-mail evaychan[at]gmail[dot]com with your name and cell phone number if you are planning on joining us!

I am in hiding this weekend.

My brother has long accused me of living life at a mach 10. I’ve never been one content to just go to school or work and come home. I always have a plethora of activities that keep me running around at a dizzying pace. I love meeting people and have many interests, so my free time fills up really quickly. I also secretly believe that basic things like feeding myself are optional, and have a tendency to stack meetings back to back. Because I’m a bit on the hyperactive, this usually is fine, but after a while my body revolts and decides to shut down.

This is one of those weekends.

Sometimes, a girl needs a reminder that she’s only human. I’ve been fighting off a bit of a cold and so in an unusual moment of wisdom, I’ve been shying away from the world for the last two days. It’s a gorgeously beautiful spring day and I’m ashamed to say I haven’t gone out. Instead, I’m taking this time to clean house metaphorically and physically.

Hutongs

What’s been keeping me so busy? Well first off, I’ve started teaching at The Hutong. If you live in Beijing, I really recommend checking this place out. It’s a community center and arts school that’s located inside a renovated hutong, one of old Beijing’s traditional houses. I’ve been teaching a basic photography course and have absolutely LOVED it. I’ve been known to ramble on about photography and draw lighting digrams on napkins, and it wasn’t until Mark approached me about teaching that it ever occured to me. What could possibly be greater than sharing your biggest artistic passion? Well – only the best students ever. I’ve really enjoyed my students and watching their growth and development artistically has been an awesome experience. If you’re in the city, come check out the class and drop by and say hello!

Hideaways

In other news, I’ve gotten the first of my accpetances to grad school. I’m still in a bit of a daze, the idea that something I’ve worked towards my whole life is finally within my grasp. It’s hard to imagine that just a little over a year ago, I first came to Beijing and now it’s like a second home to me (more like.. a sixth.) With the arrival of spring comes the much needed thawing of my creativity. During the winter months, I tend to hibernate. Warmer weather plus the encouragement of some close friends have led me to plan out one of my most ambitious projects to date. I’m not going to say much at this time, but I’ve never done anything like this before and it is an intensely personal project. Hate to be cryptic… but you’ll just have to wait.

This weekend has been a breather. There is a part of me that is going crazy from not running around like usual, but I know this is a much needed mini-hiatus to regroup and recouperate. My portfolio has gotten a much needed update with fresh images from my latest work, I’m finalizing the details of starting a photography club this week, and trying also to update my business cards and get them to the printer. Oh, and homework. Lots and lots of homework.

For anyone else out there who is juggling a lot and needs a break (or like me, a reminder that we need breaks) here’s a nice reminder from The Weepies. Happy Saturday everyone!

I’ve decided to create a project based upon this tool. Much of this is inspired by Chase Jarvis’ use of the iPhone as a photographic medium. I truly believe that a photographer shouldn’t be defined by what they use. Even a simple point and shoot can produce amazing images.

This will be an on-going project as I finish out my year in Beijing. I want to capture more of the every day, the “only in Beijing” moments, and document some of the sights that have been such an integral part of my life here.

Below is a sample of some of the images. Follow the on-going development on Facebook or “live” on my Twitter feed

Wangfujing, Beijing.

The Man. The Myth. The Legend.

In search of the Beijing Underground City

Window washers in Sanlituen

Elderly Beijingers playing chess on the streets in winter

Napoleon was right when he described the might of China as a sleeping dragon. But little did he know, that also included the ability to control the weather as well. Thanks to the Central Government’s cloud seeding efforts and an unexpected cold front, Beijing has been intermittently blanketed by snow. The oddest thing isn’t just the six inches of snow, but that a day or two later, melts to reveal green grass, piles of autumn leaves and occasional bouts of sunshine. It’s all four seasons in a week!

For those not quite familiar with Beijing, the city is notorious for being extremely dry. Rain, let alone snow is incredibly rare. I can’t even imagine what kind of ecological ramifications this has on the country.

Wading through a snow drift to unlock my bike. Thankfully, mine was mostly sheltered.

Tsinghua University, in front of the main hall

Check out that snowman.. it’s easily 7 feet tall!

Feels like Christmas already

I love how creative students on campus get This was right outside the building where I have all my classes. All the hardworking Chinese students turn into kids whenever it snows

On a different note, yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. One of the most iconic moments signaling the end of the Cold War and the end of Communism in Europe. The BBC has been pod casting various interviews and commentaries reflecting on the anniversary, and as I listened (while milling about getting ready for class), I couldn’t help but remark at where we are today. Communism is over in Europe, but there still remains an Eastern Bloc. It may be a unique blend of economic liberalism, but the core of the political infrastructure remains undoubtedly a one-party state. There are restrictions in almost every important aspect of life: freedom of expression, the right to assembly, even individual reproductive rights. To someone who is raised in a world where the word freedom is almost a political battle cry – the contrast of living within the current confines are startling.

It is twenty years after the fall of the wall, and yet from inside China, we are still behind a one. One very much in alive and kicking. And if you ever needed an example of the sheer power it wrests, just look at the weather.

Recently, I said I would make an effort to post more often, especially posting photos of life in Beijing. Well it’s 8AM Sunday morning (fine.. technically 8:53. But I like sounding productive) and by no small miracle, I was actually up at 7AM, and have already cracked open my books to study. I’m taking a few moments to blog this while my amazing coffee is brewing before I meet up with friends for church. There are worse ways to start a Sunday, methinks.

Being originally from Hong Kong (aka, Jetsonville), there’s no way Beijing’s metro system could ever compare to our super efficient, air conditioned and uber clean subways. But there is one thing we’re lacking, and it’s these odd looking blue ball-shaped things. Hit the jump below to find out what this oddity is. (I will be seriously impressed if you can guess..)

This is none other than a bomb receptacle. No joke. Suspicious packages found in the subway are placed in these blue seal-able bins that are capable of withstanding and containing a blast, at least until authorities figure out what to do with the package, or it… blows up. Heh.

This country really doesn’t kid around with security measures. Bags are x-rayed before getting on to the subways.. and newspapers are confiscated before landing in Beijing (how this constitutes as a security measure, I’m not entirely sure. Nor do I want to speculate for the moment.. in case my site gets blocked (again.))

Beijing is also an incredibly transitory city. Much like Hong Kong or New York. People are constantly coming and going. Last night I said farewell to one of my dearest friends here. Alex is my one-time colleague and one of the earliest friends I made here. The thought of him not being here is almost like losing one of Beijing’s landmarks. But no send off could be proper without some fine Beijing-dining, on none other than 鬼街 (gui jie) or “ghost street”

And of course, with dining anywhere in Beijing, there’s a long wait for a table. But have no fear – restaurants provide seating outside under red lanterns and bowls of sunflower seeds to snack on while your table is being prepared. I secretly believe that if Beijingers were any type of animal, it would be a squirrel. Or some other kind of nut/seed eating animal. Shells are thrown on the floor – whether indoor or outdoor.

There are many signs letting you know you’re at a great restaurant. Michelin guide, “starred” ratings, newspaper or magazine features.. I venture one additional tip for the traveling gourmand. Damp table cloths. Seriously. Damp table cloths. Think about it. If the turnover of a restaurant needs to be so fast that they can’t dry their table cloths in time.. well my friend, you know you’re in for a culinary treat!

Now far be it from me to reinforce any stereotypes, but Chinese… really do eat just about everything. Since moving here, I’ve eaten one or two unusual things, but nothing too wild. Nothing compared to my awesome friend, Simon, who thrills at the idea of eating testicles, grubs, brains.. you name it. Here he is about to chow-down on chili bull-frog

Nom nom. But to be quite honest, it’s actually really really good. Tastes like part fish, part chicken. ficken, if you will.

Some (literally) lip-tingling, tongue-numbing 麻辣 (ma la) crabs. Ma la translates as numbing-hot. They were not kidding around. Phew. And just when your lips are completely numb with pain, a little salt to rub in the wound. Clams packed in sea salt

.. T’was quite a night.

But living in China isn’t all about stuffing new and possibly strange food down your throat. This is after all, a bustling cosmopolitan city that absorbs elements of other cultures, particularly from the west. Chances are, if you’re studying in Beijing, you’ll be familiar with the student haunts in the area. Imagine my surprise when I walked into one of my favorite hangouts and was greeted by this:

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Halloween has indeed come to the Middle Kingdom.

Now if you’ll excuse me, the smell of freshly-brewed Laotian coffee is intoxicating and beckoning to me. ….. must…. heed…

Happy Sunday everyone!

The rate that I’ve been flying around this last few months has been insane even for me.. but this time, I’ll be staying put for a bit (I think.)

I am savoring the last sensory experiences from Hong Kong. The thing about flying in with other Cantonese speakers is that it momentarily fools you into thinking you’re still in Hong Kong (hey, the signs are still in Chinese, right?) and with landing at this late-ish hour, the city is quiet. It’s particularly surreal with the unbelievable mist that is enveloping the city. Landing into Beijing International Airport was like descending through a cloud of orange-tinted sodium vapor. Amazing.

I’m not usually this nostalgic about Hong Kong, but maybe it’s because every time I say farewell to those I love – it seems to get harder and harder. But maybe someone out there knew how I was feeling and softened the blow by a surprise upgrade when I got to the gate

Tomorrow is going to be a jam-packed day. Full day of classes, study, Wushu (that is going to hurt.. after 2 weeks of limited exercise!) save the processing I need to do from the two shoots yesterday.

OH YEAH, did I mention there were two shoots yesterday? I teamed up with the fabulous Jonathan Jaget for some serious strobin’. And by teamed up, I mean he let me tag along

We kicked the day off with some studio action and I got to meet (and photograph) his gorgeous family. And then we hit the streets with a gorgeous couple to take engagement shots. Jonathan is wicked with the strobes, and definitely pushes me to think outside the box. The four of us took Mong Kok (on a Saturday! … epic crowds. EPIC!) by storm and literally stopped traffic. People were taking pictures of us taking pictures. Then again, if you saw the gorgeousness of the couple we were photographing – you would have too

Ok.. that’s it from this girl. Going to 睡觉 in the Northern Capital.

Sending much love to you all! Can’t wait to show you some of the shots.. but it might be a bit, as I’m going to be playing some serious catch-up over the next few days

I had some really amazing opportunities to shoot over the summer, which has led me to challenge myself and grow not just behind the camera, but also in terms of taking things to the next level. I’m really excited for some of my upcoming projects.

Right now, I’m back in Beijing. And as of two hours ago, no longer homeless. Hooray! I found a sweet little apartment in a great area, and it’s a load off my mind. I’ll even have a fold out bed for visitors

Finally getting around to taking care of some of my own pictures from Yunnan and making my way through images from Malaysia and Singapore as well. For now this is just a quick note to say hello, and that I’m alive and well