Belly belly warm

Summer is here and Beijing is so bloody hot that I almost wish for winter to return. When such moronic thoughts enter my mind, I know I am close to a heat stroke as the mercury approaches 39 degrees celsius.

In times of such unbearable sauna, I look to the locals to find ways to get used to the heat. Here's what I have learnt.

One, roll your T-shirt up to your chest, revealing your belly. Ladies can try it too. I have seen young Beijing chicks doing it. Sexy, right?


Two, do not switch on the air-conditioner. That's what most Beijing taxi drivers do. Some people tell me it's because they want to save petrol. I don't believe them. I think the cabbies are just trying to help me get used to the Beijing heat.


Three, embrace the heat and dine al fresco. All of a sudden, the pavements of Beijing are filled with tables spilling out of restaurants. Just three months ago, if someone told me to go for al fresco dining here, I would probably tell them to go suck my thermometer. But now, wow, it is like no one is eating indoors anymore.

To fit in, I decided to have drinks outdoors the other day at Fez Bar (10-6559-6266), a chic watering hole at the historic Legation Quarter. If the place was charming and serene in the day, it was also charming and serene at night.


The bar takes on a Moroccan theme, which means that I have absolutely no idea what it means. But there were a few tents and some days beds, giving some sort of Arabian flavour. Set on the third floor, the bar offered a nice view of the peaceful Legation Quarter, especially on a quiet warm summer weeknight. Enjoy the view!