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Letter from the Editor of the Beijing Fact File, 2004 Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor Letter from the Editor

Letter from the Editor

Somewhat against Beijing's climatic odds we at least had a White Christmas and a two-week visit from a gentleman billed as the one and only "real" Santa Claus, a fact proved by his copyright documents.
Odd, then, that his reindeer whisked him back to Sweden on Christmas Eve, which is probably why we and none of you got the luxurious presents we had asked for.

This little tale was among 2002's oddities that, not for the first time, had we scribes muttering that so many things in life are rarely as they seem. We by far prefer indisputable facts about things. But in our business, such giggles as the Santa story are what helps the world go round. How boring the planet would be if all things, no matter how bizarre or irrational, were guaranteed to turn out fine, sans argument, controversy and disagreement. Never to be, alas. Man can be relied upon to screw it up even before any worthwhile proposition gets off the ground.

Pontificating aside, we this month bring you lots of useful information about the increasingly popular sport/pastime of skiing, a pursuit made the more enjoyable by the high quality of Beijing's numerous ski resorts. All are well organized, and have some super slopes. Renting proper equipment at these centers is reasonably cheap, and trained instructors are usually on hand with the right advice about staying on your feet and how to stop if you find yourself hurtling out of control towards a brick wall. We also list the main ice festivals where you can enjoy a good day out.

We also bring you features that include a new set of Beijing postage stamps created by Australian artist Charles Billich; an update by intrepid Long Marchers 2002 Ed Jocelyn and Andrew McEwen; a photo-feature on the best of Chinese designer fashion; how to protect your facial skin during winter; and all our regular columns.

A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all our readers.

Li Mingxia
Deputy Editor-in-Chief