so i was thinking about writing an entry today about the beijing sandstorms. or rather, about the lack of beijing sandstorms. i remember in the winter, when i would talk excitedly about spring coming, my boss would always shake his head and say that spring was hell because of all the wind and dust. i even told my parents that i didn't think they should come visit me in the spring, because it wouldn't be a good time to go outside. and so, i was going to say in this blog entry, i was surprised to see that spring is actually quite nice here, as spring tends to be. the weather has been sunny and warm, i don't have to wear my coat anymore, etc, etc. to call it "hell" would be completely off. but okay so i was thinking about writing this entry as i walked along dongzhimenwai to meet my friend isaac for an all you can eat indian buffet. i was walking along, deep in thought (as i tend to be, i often offend people by not noticing them as i pass them in the street, because i'm just so totally unaware of what's going on around me). walking along, and all of a sudden there is a big gust of wind right in my face, and i say out loud "dust!" then, i think about what i've said, and i look around. people all over are rubbing their eyes and holding their hands over their mouths. oh my god! i experienced a beijing sandstorm. it wasn't the most intense thing in the world, not really akin to other words with "storm" at the end. but it was pretty unpleasant, and i definitely tried to get inside as soon as i could. hooray! i'm a sandstorm survivor!