Good morning sunshine!

This morning I was very fortunate. Our clients are having a later start than normal, so I was able to get 7 whole hours of sleep! My body said thank-you (but it is a greedy bugger and now wants more!). As a result, I was actually coherent enough and noticed my surrondings this morning... not sure this is a good thing - entertaining and disturbing all at the same time.

As you all know, I am now staying at The China's People's Palace - We have some affectionate nicknames for it, but seeing as this blog is public domain and some of my work colleagues may be reading this I will refrain from divulging that information... but do feel free to ask when I see you next. I have to admit, it was hard coming here after being put up at the Ritz Financial for our first two weeks.

I have come to love my hotel - even the bed is ok and the bruising has gone down - I am getting quite used to sleeping on my beloved boxspring. The people (and the weird basement with bowling alley and Karaoke) are what really make it special. Here are a couple of other things that I noticed this morning that make this place "Special".

I was sitting at breakfast this morning with Diane (a la torch holding fame) and a guest at the hotel - Jackie, who's husband, a former Houston Astro, is the coach of the Canadian Baseball team. It is so cool who you will meet here if you just sit down and chat with someone. Anyway, she was having a little difficulty adjusting to the hotel and China itself. I explained to her that once we made it through, we would appreciate it because we were having an "Authentic Chinese Experience". The Chinese People's Palace is not one that caters to Westerners...and I have decided that this is a good thing.

Like I said, I was aware of my surroundings this morning. Usually, I stumble out of my room at 6:30am running on 4 hours of sleep, desparately in need of coffee. I would make my way to the breakfast room where I would wolf down breakfast in 5 min and head out the door to the subway (or cab depending on how late I was running). Breakfast would include, but would not be limited to: some baked beans, 'croutons' (french toast I think), sausage (filling yet to be determined), mixed vegetables and some fruit. Breakfast here is a full meal. You can have 'Pene Bloanaisi' (bolognese), and even salad with your cornflakes... I have made some interesting combinations in my sleep deprived stupors. Anyway, today - still in desperate need of coffee - I sauntered down at 8am and it was then I realized this truly was not the Ritz. Coming out of my room, I was confronted with a maid's cart down the hall... There was one cannister on there that was prominently displayed. It made me itchy once I realized what it was:

I now know what that periodic funny smell in my room may be.

This can knows Karate I am sure.

This was not the highlight of my morning, however. Usually when I get into the elevator in the morning I channel Louis Braille to find the button for the lobby as my eyes are still crusted over with sleep as well as adjusting to the harsh light of day... today was an exception. I have no idea how I missed this sign in our elevator up until now, but I broke out in hysterics.

"Do not use the lift when on fire"

Priceless. What a great way to start my morning. Hope you guys get a kick out of it as much as I did. I am going to have to be more aware of my surroundings from now on... and always take my camera!