Sizzlin' in Beijing...

 Mid 90s and sunny most days in Beijing now. One thing I do to cool off is frequent local coffee shops, which also sometimes include art displays inside the shopping center.

 As an indoor summer project, I decided to try to tackle the soapy scum on the shower glass. I read that a mixture of baking soda & white vinegar will do the trick. Ended up with white paste all over the place.

 Due to the heat, lately I've mostly been eating salads and fruit.

 Time for the 6-month visit to the local dentist, where I always find it interesting that along with  coffee for patients, there's sugar and cookies.

 Our "pet" 猫猫 (Maomao, means cat cat) has been coming around regularly for summer meals, though I noticed yesterday there's at least one other person in the neighborhood feeding him.

 Summer is a time when many of our Foreign Service neighbors move on, which means they're trying to lighten their load. The Chinese Monkey King (above) was given to me for practically nothing.

 Thought I'd take advantage of the rain last Tuesday to visit the National Museum. Though it was pouring, I was surprised to find the museum packed (above). I didn't know until recently that's one of the biggest museums in the world.

 Still plugging away at the Chinese. The characters never cease to fascinate me. For example, "museum" is comprised of 3 characters: 1. many 2. things 3. guest

 Seller at the local wet market.

 Very hot at the wet market, which gives the place a raw meaty smell.

 Despite the high temps, people still going to the local park to enjoy a Sunday outing.

Last stop: Mount Tai

It's been a great month of travels, and now just about time to return home to Beijing. Took a train from Wuhan to Tai'an the other day. Located at the base of Mount Tai, Tai'an is only about a 2-hour train ride south of Beijing.

 Red Gate: entrance to the start of the climb. They say if you walk all 6,000 stairs to Mount Tai's peak, you will live to be over 100.

 During the climb, you see all sorts of people, in varied attire.

 Lots and lots of steps, and many things to buy along the way. 6 photos below: green tea, mini models of Mount Tai, fruit & veggies, and for those who require stronger fortification, hard liquor.

 There are numerous mountain temples along the way...

 ...and if you want you can even dress up like royalty and have your picture taken.

Tired and nearing the end of my hike back down the mountain, on the outside of town I spotted this church.

Continuing on toward north China...

Wuhan was a great town to visit, but time to continue the journey northward toward Beijing. Below are a few parting shots of Wuhan...

 Photographers intently snapping shots of bubbles, Wuhan Boardwalk.

 I spotted this huge Mao jacket sculpture in a storage room at the Hubei Art Museum.

 Shot taken this morning at a newly renovated section of Guiyan Temple, Wuhan.

 I wondered what was taking so long to bag my purchases at the fruit store, then I saw the clerk was picking every grape off the stem...

 ...then wrapped them.

Free  ride, Jiang Han Pedestrian Street.

Heading towards home...

I really liked Shenzhen, but after several days there time to continue the trip back home to Beijing...

 Above 2 photos, Shenzhen RR Station relaxation center.

 Next stop, Wuhan, central China.

 The Chinese treat tomatoes like a fruit, which is what they are.

 Wuhan ice cream shop.

 Often China cityscapes are pretty dismal...

 ...but at night things often light up.

 Sign in a Wuhan metro station.

 Wuhan pedestrian underpass, to the Hubei Museum.

 Above, my favorite part of the Hubei Museum is the Ancient Bells performance. Below, Friday evening on Wuhan's Jiang Han pedestrian street.