Boxing Day

So I have never celebrated Boxing Day, but when I suggested to my coworkers that we delay Christmas until the 26th when everyone would be back in the office, one of them said "isn't there a day called Boxing Day?" So, that is what we celebrated - without a clue as to how. For our version, in the afternoon we took pictures around the tree and they each gave me a small gift: instant coffee, chrysanthemum tea, assorted little butter cookies and a couple chocolate bars. Kind of a theme.

This evening, I had plans to meet Peter and Charmaine Smythe for a Peking Duck dinner. I asked my coworkers for suggestions and suddenly the plan took on a mind of its own. Five of us trekked off to dinner with directions and coupon in hand. Kong Zhen insisted on driving, and now I have experienced rush-hour traffic in Beijing. Having allotted over an hour to get across town, Qin Liang and I ended up jumping out of the car mid-road, crossing lanes and hurtling a small divide in order to catch the nearest subway stop. Even then, arriving late to meet the Smythes. Kong Zhen parked and grabbed the subway as well.

The restaurant was located on the third floor of a large shopping mall, and was fairly good. I have lost some of my taste for the food so I don't think I enjoyed it as much as I normally would. The Smythes said it was similar to the duck they've had in Australia.

It was a long day but a good night on the the town and thus a Boxing Day well spent.