Karen

Day 5. Seriously. Day 5? Time has flown. But also not… feel I’ve been here a long time already…. And now it’s come to an end, already!!

It was a great work day today, although this morning was really hard waking up. I blame jet lag.

Got into the office and did my office-ey bits.

When it was time to leave and I needed a taxi, the ‘crew’ at the front desk went into action as they do and ran down the street to get me my taxi. Up came the taxi with the ‘runner’ in the front seat, ready to jump out the car to open the door for me. I love this place.

Oh, and the escalator. I have never worked in an office building where there’s an escalator. Sure ‘office buildings’ have them, but the entire office is ours!! Makes it feel… strange of sorts. Very cool, though.

Arrived at hotel and wanted to try some beijing duck at the chinese restaurant next door. It was PACKED with large tables set for families. As I was a loner foreigner, I decided to turn around and head back to the hotel to try their other restaurant. Glad I did….

Started with Grace Vineyards ShiXang Chardonnay. Yes, Chinese wine. And it was pleasant :-). Not very complex, but to match my starter (amuse-geul of a beef tartar followed by my order of soup), worked well. The soup was this super-flavourful chicken broth of sorts with egg whites floating and a glorious dumpling. the broth was poured from a tea pot so that all of the other elements began their float at my table.

Followed by a glass of the Grace Vineyards ShiXang cab sauvignon. Nice nose, not too lingering. Had some foie gras placed on top of this potato pancake of sorts served with marinated apple and sweet ‘rabbit food’ (lettuce of sorts) with a vinaigrette laced over the top. Yum. Yum. Yum. And a special caesar salad complete with parmesan ‘basket’ filled with romain lettuce accompanied by roasted marinated garlic, a tomato compote and a glorious dressing.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Now for my bath in the marble bathroom and an early night before my travel day tomorrow. I marvel at how detail-oriented everyone here is to service and, well, just about everything that they do…. Nothing but positives about this trip.

For those of you wondering, have been working very hard in the mean time - just can’t disclose our company secrets :-)