ISpyShanghai

where are chairman mao’s ears?

James how is it up in Beijing? Was thinking of visiting before the Olympics but if it’s too nuts already I might give it a miss.

you and your chinese doppelganger *do* have very similar ears . . .

I figured it out, they’re quite high up and dark grey, like budding mickey mouse ears.

the composition is brilliant

I wonder if the guard is bald under his cap.. the mystery really makes this the perfect photo

James - Despite the moaning of Beijing natives, I lived there for 5 years and can confirm it has far more sun than Shanghai. Love the square format. I assume you took it with the Rolleiflex!

Bazza- come now before the crowds! It’s a really cool place actually, very different from Shanghai, way more spread out- not crowded anywhere, the bars are wild too.

dingle- they like it when you make fun of Mao in that square I think

tinaria- Emma took it, don’t tell her or she’ll get a big head (to match her feet). The guard was completely bald, the bits at the side are attached to the cap

Angie- he certainly is a handsome chap

WoAi- bit smoggier today but it’s still a lot breezier and fresher than Shangers. Went to Rickshaw, Poachers, The Tree & Pavillion last night. What’s with the pints of rum and coke in that Poachers? My head’s still banging

What colour does James’ stubble look to you?

James it’s a northerner vs southerner thing just like in England but in reverse. In China it’s the northerners that are the hard drinkers while their southern counterparts nurse brightly coloured cocktails all night.

I have no idea what’s wrong with those Poachers drinks, or for that matter the drinks in the other four establishments I spent around eight hours in last night.

Hey James

One reason it’s not crowded up there right now. I was just in Hong Kong getting a VISA change, people all around me were getting turned away or offered 2 week one entries at the most. Then I was reading the HK papers and Beijing hotels and tourist services are 40% down on the usual for this type of year - directly because of the VISA issues.

The article went on to show an economic report explaining that this shortfall has already cancelled out the expected boost to the economy from the olympics. So now it’s just a bunch of boring non-spectator sports and w*nk material for nationalists.

Glad you’re enjoying it though, you should be able to take advantage and get everything on the cheap.

hey james

what’s up in beijing? have you eat the beijing duck? that’s yummy food.

Sasquatch is right, there is a definite amber twinge to your stubble swiss, is that just tobacco staining or did you maybe eat a lamb bhuna after 16 pints of stella?

Incidentally, are those the same sunglasses that sylvester stallone wore in Cobra?

I think James’ stubble is actually dark golden auburn, I recommend trying a henna shampoo to bring out his natural red highlights and boost the fading colour, he could also try applying cranberry juice, maybe while soaking in a hot bath and then rinsing using a mix of two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a litre of lukewarm water.

As for clothes, James needs to be careful of colour clash, the best colours for James are light or pastel shades of green, aqua, lilac and blue. Avoid dark shades of green, blue and violet as they will make him look pallid. If he feels like going wild, he should consider bright vibrant colours like turquoise, orange or bright blue.

Ginger stubble is nothing to be ashamed of, make it a feature and flaunt it James!

Nicky, sweetheart, you’re an angel. Let me think about those tips and get back to you.

I don’t believe that old man is stood behind you. i think he’s just really really small. Either that or you are a big bald giant. Go and find him again, clutch him in your giant hand, climb a tall building and bite his head off while swatting planes. I think you should.

Yeah James you big bully give the nice old man his glasses back, can’t you see he’s squinting so badly in the Beijing sun just so you can be photographed with them.