OK, I got some grief for not posting pictures of my new apartment, so here they are.

 

The place is 142 Sq.Meters, or about 1,420 Sq. Ft and located on the 15th floor of a 24 floor building. It has 2 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and a library. Actually, the library was once a third bedroom, but the owner moved the wall seperating the third bed and the master bed...so the master is bigger now, and the third bedroom is about as wide as two and a hlaf hallways, with a big floor to ceiling book case. I've kind of labeled it my library, although my book collection is pretty slim right now. It's holding my old textbooks, my collection of Beijing opera masks, my chop for signing official contracts, two unused badmitton raquets and a Jenna Jameson bobblehead, from Steve (thanks Bagman!)

 

The flooring is all dark wood, and pretty good quality. It's fine in the summer, but I am a little worried about it for the Winter. Already been looking for some rugs, which I think the place really needs. I just bought some plants, and am waiting to see if I can keep them alive before getting some more. There is a little hope though...my last place I had almost killed the only plant in the place after the first few months, but I was able to revive it back to life. I am hoping I can keep the 'money tree' (the one next to the bar with the braided trunks) going for another year, or so. It is supposed to represent money and is good luck...we shall see. For reference, a six foot tall, 'money tree' with ceramic pot cost $12 delivered. Obviously it didn't work too well for the grower.

 

The Master Bedroon is nice and big. The balcony has been opened up. It used to have two...one off of the Master bedroom, and the other off of the third bedroom. Again, the owner knocked down the wall and made it one long, adjoining balcony. The Master bedroom has a sliding door that closes off the balcony, which may be good in the winter. In the far corner off the library, and on the balcony is a corner for my office. It has the ADSL connection, a nice built-in corner desk and a nice view outside. The bacony is about 18 feet long, or so, from one end to the other and looks West out across an IKEA, then the 4th ring road, then a golf course. My apartment is directy above the World's largest IKEA...which has been pretty convenient for outfitting the kitchen. I'm also told that they serve, for 6RMB, all the coffee you can drink... that's about .80 cents.

Well my UK passport finally came through, I am officially a citizen of the UK (and still the US)...or a 'subject' of the UK.

 

In light of my new citizenship, I have decided to post a special UK update to my space. I have attached some of my favorite British scenes along with those I have pledged my allegiance to.

 

Cheers!