Escape from Beijing 1: Tianjin

The near proximity of 天津(Tianjin) meant we didn't have any excuse to give it a miss. Especially so when its only 30mins railway ride away on the new bullet train(max speed of 350km/hr) launched last year in preparation for the Olympics. I swear, this was truly one of the most comfortable ride I've had on public transport. The cabins are divided into First Class and Second Class @ 68rmb and 58rmb respectively. Being 2nd class citizens(haha), we decided to take the latter. Its already good enough if you trust me. Afterall, what's a 30mins ride? Its clean, comfortable and pretty spacious for me. More than you can expect and imagine from the word: railway. Pampered for the 30mins, we ventured on and started our journey in midst of a Saturday night.

Saturday Night：

南市食品街 (Nan Shi Shi Ping Jie) was disappointing. Don't be fooled by its name, its not a food street but actually a complex. The image I had was one that was filled with many eateries and delicacies but it turned out otherwise. They have more than sufficient 麻花 (ma hua);a type of local specialty which lined up the entire complex. I tried the huge long one which was way too hard to bite off, halfway through my battle I wanted to give it up. Personally, I feel that maybe the smaller size one would be much better. Haha.

the legendary 麻花 (ma hua)

Could it have been that we walked into a wrong building? I highly doubt so. “狗不理” 包子 (Gou Bu Li Baos) which originates from Tianjin actually pales in comparison with the branch in Beijing. How can that be?? The guys had it at its authentic outlet and not some small eatery. Apparently, the baos of the same name can be found anywhere, everywhere in Tianjin.

After dinner, we tried seeking out a pub which was voted as the 3rd best in Tianjin. It was very adeptly named; Ali Baba. If you're wondering why? Its very well hidden (think Ali Baba and the tale of 40 thieves) without any signboards in a dark alley. According to books, if you see any drunk foreigners, follow them and you will find what you seek. Its really near impossible to find with the near perfect disguise and camouflage at the ground level of a building with its silver metal doors that resembles that of a lorry with its freezer compartment on its back. Beer is cheap there. 8rmb for Tsingdao, 10rmb for Budweiser, 12rmb for Carlsberg, 15rmb for Heineken and Corona. Do not attempt their Bloody Mary for it tasted like some concoction gone wrong. Bor found out the hard way after he ordered it Haha. With mindless games like 7-up and circle of death gracing the event, it was pretty fun. Don't worry, no one was drunk, let alone tipsy. We were all clear and sober at the end of it and headed back to rest in our hostel. How much can 1 beer do? Nothing it seems. Jw, our plan failed. Too bad.

Sunday：

The next morning, we kick-started our day with some very nutritious breakfast at a eatery just next door. We were greeted by the sight of the numerous delightful flavours of 烧饼(a kind of pastry) which wasn't really nice, 豆浆(soya bean) which had a chao-ta aka burnt smell and 小豆粥（essentially Green beam porridge) and 手擀面 (hand produced noodles?).Cheap and filling by you compromise a little on quality. Not that it mattered much to me who eats just almost everything. 鼓楼， 古文化街 and 五大道 filled the rest of the day.

鼓楼: a street with stalls lined up in between with some old buildings by the side. You can expect to find some cheap deals mainly dealing with arts; seal engraving, porcelain dolls, swords etc. There was still mobile cart that sells candy floss! Its been a long time since I had it! You can actually choose flavors and mix up to 4!ITS HUGE ALRIGHT! Bigger than my head and its cheap. Reminds me of the days when I was much younger (not that I ain't now. haha.) You don't see much of candy floss now anymore back home. Kids don't know what they are missing out. Even a PSP can't replace the joy of that. Haha.

古文化街: As its name suggest, its littered with traditional art ranging from seal engraving (again), 泥人张 models (masks and models made from mud or clay i suppose) and Chinese scroll paintings. I spent a fortune there. Its time to scimp and save. I can't believe it =(

五大道: Its an area where the European influence is massive. Buildings are constructed in accordance to the style and is reflected very well. Its really beautiful and a sight you would not expect to find in China. The entire area has buildings that are categorised as national treasures and are under protection. They are divided into different categories; Very Important Protection and General Protection. Haha. You can see for yourself the stark contrast. Paint on the buildings and the overall facade maintenance. However, it was truly a pity I did not managed to capture images of the night scene whilst on the bus on Saturday. The bus on passing by this bridge and the scenery along the river banks were truly magnificent, very strong European touch to it. Indescribable view. The stone roads, round lamps which light up a warm orange glow.

With that, its the end of the Tianjin adventure. Fast huh?Tianjin is small compared to Beijing and the things to see and do there are truly limited by the numbers. However, the cost of living is lower than that of Beijing. I recommend that 1 day would be sufficient to get the essence of Tianjin. 1 visit would suffice. Its time to move on to another destination.

PS: I love their traffic signs. Its as if drivers and pedestrians are blind and they need really big signs. Huge as can be but its really cute.