Lama Temple
Let’s view the world through the eyes of an artist.
We are delighted to bring you the art and world view of this year’s Solo Traveler Artist in Residence, Marie Pottiez, a visual artist and traveler. On her blog, Miles of Happiness, Marie illustrates her journeys, inspiring people to travel beyond their comfort zone. Seems like a good fit to us. Here is Marie’s perspective, sharing her travel experience and a series of images of Beijing. Marie’s illustrations are also available for purchase on her blog.
Images of Beijing
Traveling changes your perspective of distance. The planet is not that big, after all. Some places are so mythical, they seem untouchable. Beijing is one of these. So legendary, so historic that it’s just a line on a bucket list –this trip is not actually going to happen. But a flight later, you’re right there, in the middle of the iconic old city, cold and marveling.
Art District
Fashion Local
Beijing literally blew my mind. Time stopped a hundred years ago in this city. It’s old, dusty, and authentic, and that’s part of the charm. We arrive at our hotel, hidden in the middle of the lovely hutongs – this is what we call the narrow lanes in traditional residential areas of the city. The room is small and rudimentary, but that’s enough to make us happy. We are off to explore.
Great Wall
Scorpion skewer
I love that feeling. When you arrive in a place you don’t know, the first couple of hours, still a bit jetlagged, completely disoriented, with no idea where you’re going, but just thrilled to discover – even if you’re lost in the worst area of the city and don’t even know it. Luckily, we aren’t. We’re in a lively neighborhood, full of souvenir shops and street food. We take a random tiny lane and get lost in the real stuff. Quiet. No shops. No food. No tourists. But local people waving at us. A very old lady on her trendy bike. Kids playing in the alleys. I think we just found a time machine. We are in a whole different universe.
Summer Palace
Yunnan food
For the next days, everything we’ll see, touch, and eat will be a discovery. And there is something pretty exciting about that. You spend your time wondering what will be the next surprise, like a kid on a Christmas morning.
See more from the Solo Traveler Artist in Residence in Images of Singapore, Images of Australia, Images of New Zealand, and Images of Hong Kong. You can connect with Marie on facebook, twitter, instagram, and pinterest.