In my never-ending quest for perfect habitation, my search has brought me to the slightly more expensive, but infinitely superior Chaoyangmen area.  The new place is in a re-done hutong area that has done a suprisingly good job of retaining the original feel of the community (it helps that many of the current residents lived there before the re-construction). 

 

My roommate (more him than me) and I found a place in Nangongjiangying #3 (南弓匠营3号楼) which literally means the "south bowmakers camp" and is, precisely as the name suggests, where bowmakers used to live.  I have to admit that the attractiveness of the apartment did increase because of the name.  To the west, just across Chaonei Xiaojie there are a good amount of "real" hutongs that I do believe are protected....at least until the Olympics. 

 

All in all a good move.  Welcome to all who may pass by my door to enter and sit on the floor (or the couch...but that didn't rhyme with door...and this is Asia afterall).