Cold in Chaoyang (daily temp. -1 to -10C)

Well, everything is all going to plan, once I had decided to take six months off working to come to Beijing to improve my Putonghua and to "beautify" myself  ...... the daily schedule routine of Putonghua lessons and gym (cardio exercise) for the next 150 days or so is now in place .....

Arrived on Jan 3, and now 3 weeks later - have sorted myself out with the kind assistance of my ex-Turner best pal Ken (who is now based in Beijing) in terms of finding a nice 27/F apartment (overlooking Pan Jia Yuan Antique Market), good gym and a fantastically patient Putonghua tutor ..... Beijing is a nice place to live (though bloody cold at present) ... but, service levels are a worry considering things need to be of international standards very very soon!

Pre-Olympics Beijing is moving fast ...... I can see the architectural award-winning designed CCTV Tower being constructed in the near distance .... maybe, I just haven't got any taste -- but it looks Fxxking ugly to me - haha http://www.arcspace.com/architects/koolhaas/chinese_television/