Picnic Renaissance

We are very into picnicking recently to the extent.... I researched a little about the origins of picnic!! According to wikipedia, the word picnic originated from the french word pique-nique, where its first usage is traced back to 1692. It was used to describe a group of people dining in a restaurant who brought their own wine. In the early 19th century, there existed even a Picnic Society! The Londoners started it. Now, I am itching to revive it! *wink*

The good summer days in Beijing are indisputably charming and enjoyable. Although this mega city pales pathetically in comparison to European cities, especially the Scandinavian ones, in terms of nature and air quality, on days when the weather and air quality are both good, there is every reason for us to rejoice. Finding a green santuary in Beijing that is away from traffic and PEOPLE takes some effort. But thank goodness there are a number of mega parks (yes, nothing in Beijing is never mini) where sun-suckers like us can busk ourselves under the UV rays for a negligible RMB5 admission fee. However, one always run into the risk of fighting for a small green space in the mass of parks with 16 million people. But when luck is with you, when everyone else is distracted by something that is going on at the other end of town, you find no other souls than yourself spreading out over a football-field-sized grass patch. Nifty!

BUT! Before heading out straight to the park, you've gotta equip yourself with the essentials of making your picnic a success. Sun-block and sunglasses are a must. Then gastronomy. We had tried coffee, and recently beer!

The latter was thirst quenching and cooling under the big hot sun. But coffee and tea are equally charming and desirable. Fruits and sandwiches make also good companions to a lovely picnic. I realised recently that strawberries can taste good with coffee! Now entertainment. Kites and frisbies are common sights at the parks. Jinxed enough, we bought a kite (in Sweden!) that was probably a NASA engineering feat. We couldn't fly it, SIMPLY couldn't. We sought help from a picnic compatriot who seemed to be a kite expert. He managed to get the kite into the skies, but never more than a minute. Us? Not more than 10 seconds. BUT! We have at least proved this kite can fly! How pathetic we are! Ha!

Oh! And we realised that Beijingers go to parks not only to enjoy the sun and "fresher" air, some kinki young couples went with an intimate agenda. They brought all they need to ensure they have privacy even in the most public of places. Tents!

Over a large green field, we occupied a shady patch under the tree, laid ourselves over the soft beach towel and gaze into the clear blue skies. Then came along a young Chinese couple, who are, in my accordance, not dressed appropriately for such a big hot day, who pitched a tent behind us under ANOTHER shady tree. It all started out like any other picnic - sipping a soft drink, flying a kite. After less than half an hour, we realised they had retreated into their little blue tent. Oh man, the rest is up to your imagination. At first, the door flap was up but the next time we turn around, the flap was already down and I swear to whatever-the-what that the tent was shaking! This would have been unimaginable just 10 years ago, I believe. And the next time we turn around again, they have already packed up and left.

This incident probably wouldn't have left an impression and warrant a mention in this post had it not given my husband some great ideas for our next picnic outing. I have just got you hooked onto our next picnic outing blogpost, haven't I? *grin*