Qingdao is the Victoria/Vancouver of China. It's a beautiful coastal city with a huge seawall that was once under German control. I am not sure of the exact history, but I am sure that it's pretty stunning. Especially when you have been landlocked in flat, flat, flat, and smoggy Weifang for months. Qingdao is also the city that brews one of the more palatable beers China makes and it's where the sailing portion of the Beijing Olympics were held. There are a lot of beautiful little spots, a lot more foreigners/ English speakers, a foreign foods grocery store, a few greasy spoon breakfast joints, and it's a short train ride away. It makes for the perfect weekend getaway.
The old cathedral:
The cathedral plaza is where newlywed couples freeze their asses off to take painfully staged wedding photos. I got colder just looking at them.
Right by the cathedral is this little cafe that feels like you are in both Pride and Prejudice and Discovery Coffee at the same time. There were old cameras, typewriters, paintings, and succulent plants all over. Victoria hipsters would lose their minds here. This is me and Amber enjoying pretentious coffees on old sofas.
Corner fruit stand. It's mandarin season and they are delicious.
These two gals busted a gut as they watched Sinead step in a pile of dog poop. Some humour is universal.
Laundry hanging out to freeze dry.
Truckloads of mandarins for sale! We spent a good chunk of the morning wandering through the street market in search of tasty snacks and yes, I admit it, photos.
This is a sort of super fried up onion flat bread. It's pretty tasty.
Meat market!
Fresh seafood.
Chinese cabbages. I still dont' understand how people can possibly make a living selling just cabbages.
The ocean! This was my first sighting of the ocean since we went camping way back in September. The tide was way out so people were collecting clams and oysters.
Did I mention that it's really, really, really cold in China right now?
Walking out to the gazebo and a lot of photo opps on the way.
Watching the fishermen try their luck.
Ahoy mateys! I am hoping this gives me some serious cred in the sailing community.
Bike polo!
And there you have it. Why Qingdao is just beautiful! Ocean, market, church, and good coffee. I'm going back next week.
Look forward to bringing in '13 with you guys!
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