Happy Friday, everyone!  I am just back from my training trip from Beijing.  It has been an eye-opener for me to interact with the relationship managers (RMs) who are working in one of the leading foreign banks in China.  The RMs are more reserved than our RMs here, it took a while before they warmed up to me.  But by the end of the training day, I felt like we are old friends.  There are so many admirable traits which I observed in the Chinese people. To just name one, their resilient spirit really impresses me.  Life isn’t easy in Beijing.  I was told that some of them have to endure a two hour commute to the city everyday for work, their monthly income is perhaps 3 to 4 times less than ours and from I heard, necessity like food and housing is as expensive as ours (if not, even more).  I left the city, feeling that we are very much blessed here in Singapore!

Work aside, I did have some time to sight-see a little and try out their local cuisine.  Needless to say, the Chinese food was excellent!  For summer trips, I usually try to pack clothes that are more wrinkle-resistant.   On one of the days, I wore a mint chiffon dress with a ruching detailing.  Those who know me well will know that I am not a chiffon girl.  There are a few reasons for that.  The light chiffon fabric doesn’t look fantastic on a bony frame like mine plus I always feel that it makes me look and feel too feminine, which isn’t quite congruent with my personality.  I guess for this particular dress, it’s really the unique ruching detailing that appeals to me.

How about you ladies? Does chiffon appeal to you?  Would love to hear from you!

I love the lobby lounge, which features windows spanning several stories

Definitely like the design of the railings, evident from the number of pictures I took here

Tian An Men – A “must-visit” for tourists

Hou Hai – A good place to chill in Chinese style.  There are roof top bars along  the banks if you are into chilling out

Checking out Nan Luo Gu Xiang, which features quaint shops

Of course, not forgetting to try the famous Peking Duck.  This one is from Da Dong, touted to be the best in Beijing and  the skin melts in your mouth literally!

My favourite! Afternoon tea at Raffles Beijing

A little retail therapy – A blue-grey leopard print clutch

Scored a pair of Toms look-alike.  I only own one or two pairs of walking shoes as they look really mumsy despite the comfort

Here’s hoping that the gold glitters of this pair will up the chic factor.

Thanks for dropping by, everyone and have restful weekend!