In the Mood for Beijing: A Russian New Year in Beijing!!!

It was only a few hours before midnight that we finalized our plans for the famous world toast. What to do? Where to go? We toyed with the ideas of some circus-like show, a philharmonic concert in the Egg, some rave-like dance night, or some fancy dinner in some over the top restaurant. Then Pauli suggested a brilliant idea: lets join those who know how to celebrate, the Russians!

We chose our venue: the restaurant Elephant, right in the hearth of the Russian area. The experience started before our departure, where I was unable to make a reservation, and had to rely on Pauli, whose Russian language skills are beyond my Mandarin skills. Once at the door, we were informed that a whole show was prepared to welcome the new year. At 45$ per head, we where hoping for a good one. As the waiter showed us the worst possible table, with absolutely no view, Pauli pulled his best mafioso act and argued with the staff for a better table. It worked: not only we got a good table, but we also got some extremely attentive and respectful service afterward. I am not sure who they thought we were, but we did not try to change their mind!

As we had arrived a little early, we watch the place slowly filling up. Several kids were running around with plastic swords and Harry Potter capes. The girls in the restaurant were wearing sequins, bleached air, short skirts and deep decolletes. The guys were all what you would expect them to look like, a bit rough'n tough. And a good number of the people were also quite Asian looking, probably from the Russians areas bordering China.

With tables set with red tablecloths, the walls covered with old picture frames, balloons hanging in garlands, the ambiance was quite festive. In the background, TVs were showing the crowd in Moscow, and lots of dancing and signing bikini-clad skinny girls.

De Russian New Year

We ordered some nice appetizers; marinated fish, salt cured salmon, baked mushrooms, and the required bottle of vodka. Yes we ordered a bottle just for the two of us. I guess this is what the Russian do. In Rome do as the Roman. I even saw a table being delivered no less than 6 bottle at one time!

De Russian New Year

The show started. Some karatekas jumping around, a magician, later a few acrobats turning plates on their nose. A few skits with people from the audience. A band playing some oldies. With vodka helping, it was hilariously amateur. The crowd was also quite festive and when midnight came, 2009 was greeted with a loud and fun general toast!

I later won a nice stuffed cow (2009 is the year of the cow), which will certainly make Noam happy.