January 26, 2007 Beijing Day 1 - Site-Seeing around Beijing
We had a perfect day in Beijing. The weather was a bit cool and windy at times… however, the sun was shining and we really enjoyed our sight-seeing. The hotel we are staying in is very nice. We demonstrated our American-ness by going to the hotel receptionist to tell them that the power in our room was out. I thought this was odd, because the power was working in every other area. Come to find out- there is a key holder by the door. When the key is taken out- the lights are automatically shut off to save energy! Maybe we could pilot this at MacDonald to save energy! J Breakfast was great- Bradley really enjoyed the Chinese noodles and fried rice- so early in the morning! After breakfast, we took a city bus to Tian’anmen Square- a vast plaza with gardens and meeting halls. We went with Miss Cai and a Chinese tour guide named “Amethyst”. We walked to the Forbidden City or “Gate of Heavenly Peace” and the “Temple of Heaven”. During the ancient times, this Ming and Qing emperors made sacrifices to heaven to ensure a good harvest. We saw historic monuments, museums and so much more! After the long walk, we took a taxi to Pizza Hut! The taxi ride was just as everyone had described—thank goodness we weren’t driving or riding a bike! The pizza was great! The Chinese special is a tuna fish pizza that has corn in it and they put ketchup on it! The pizza was great- but I didn’t try the ketchup! Then we walked to the Pearl Market—WOW, what an experience! On the basement level- there was a fish market- and the smell lingered through the entire market, first floor- every electronic device you could think of, second floor- silks and clothing, third floor- handbags and shoes, and fourth floor—PEARLS! The shopping was a bit overwhelming—the merchants didn’t really even let you look--- they talked so fast and would even grab your clothing. Thank goodness for Miss Cai and Amethyst- they helped bring the prices down at least half. Amethyst even got some of the Chinese merchants very mad for trying to bargain so low. I think we got a few good deals—check out Bradley’s new Van’s (shoes). After shopping we went back to the hotel for a quick break. Later in the evening we went to a Chinese Opera. It wasn’t what I was expecting—however, it was interesting. We couldn’t understand a word… but it was entertaining! Then after the opera, we had a late dinner at MacDonald’s. We just can’t get the American Fast Food craving out of our system! Tomorrow we will try the authentic food. Richard’s suffering from the crowded airplanes, lots of walking and exhaustion. He is treating himself to a massage- he deserves it! For someone who hates to fly- he is hanging in there! We’ve put him through small airplanes seats, crowded busses and tiny taxis. Well that is it for this evening—we need to get some sleep! Tomorrow it is off to tour the Great Wall and see a few of the upcoming Olympic stadium areas.
Hugs and Kisses to you all! Sherri, Richard and Bradley
