I only got back a few days ago from SIN, where it may be less hot but far more humid and thus a different kind of discomfort. At least in SG, airconditioning and cold beverages are de riguer. I dread the now daily fight with Beijing taxi drivers to turn on the damn 空调. Just had a driver who refused to turn on the a/c, complaining that she'd already turned it on all day and that I could just open the window. Then tried to drop me off outside my apt front gate. I made her drive all the way in knowing that the ride falls just short of the 2rmb surcharge. I hate how some drivers bring out the petty side of me.

As for the air quality, a short trip out of China reminds me just how low the standards are for 'good' air in Beijing....