Beijing

I LOVE Beijing. Things started off great as I slept for 7 hours on the plane on the way. After landing and getting to the hotel in the early evening I took a walk and subway ride around the city. I stopped at Tianimen square at about 9pm to check that out. I was surprized tha they actually close the square (the world's biggest city square) at 8pm each night. I guess this helps people from spontaneous demonstrations. It is an eary feeling in the square, very majestic and beautiful, but obviously with a sorted history.

The next day i took a tour of the Forbidden City, Tianimen Square, Mao's Mausoleum, the Peoples Rebublic buildings, and the City Park. Great tour with a dutch family (I seem to attract tthe Dutch) and a wonderful tour guide named Jamie Wang. Near the end of the tour Jamie asked what I wanted to do over the next 3 days and agreed to be my private tour guide for 3 days. He is a very nice guy, born and raised in Beijing, studued language in colllege, and been doing tours for 7 years.

That night we went for Peking Duck and then off to a KungFu show. The show was spectacular. A high energy mix of dancing, Kung Fu, music and a great story line. Broadway would be proud.

The next day we went to the Beijing Zoo. We visited the Panda's. There were 14 Panda's playing around. They are so cute and playful. Pictures a little dark but look for the Panda sleeping in the tree above my head.

While at the zoo my phone rang. It was my Dutch friend Gilbert who asked what I was doing for dinner. As a great surprise he decided to join me in Beijing!!! After the zoo Jamie and I went to the Summer Palace. This is where the emporer (and his aunt) spent their summers. A very beautiful and relaxing area.

I then made my way back to the hotel and met up with Gilbert. We walked around the city that night and had a great meal.

The next day Jamie, Gilbert and I went to the Great Wall. The Wall was definately one of the great highlights of the trip. After a 90 minute car ride north of Beijing the wall snakes its way atop a mountain range. To get to the Wall we took a cable car to the top of the mountain range. You then ascend into the wall. We took a 3 hour hike along the Wall from tower 14 to tower 20. Anywhere you stop is a postcard setting. The stretch from tower 19 to tower 20 is 600+ steps up a very steep section. It was exhausting. Gilbert did a fantastic job hiking this distance. I was really impressed. It was very hot and we were greatful for the passing shower that hit us at Tower 20. After resting and taking many pictures we headed back to Tower 14 and our way back to Beijing.

Once we returned to Beijing we stopped at the Olympic center and visited the Water Cube and the Birdsnest. Both building are archicturally impressive. We went in the Water Cube and pretended to be Michael Phelps. Ok we were actually more prepared to be Mrs. Phelps, but pretending was fun none the less.

Gilbert and I had a great last meal at the hotel and got ready for our flights the next day. Enjoy the pictures, they are great.

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