Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Charles, Terri, Dalen and Annalei!
March 17, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Dalen, don't forget to wear your green today! We did a little better sleeping last night - down at 11 pm up at 5 am. After breakfast we loaded the bus and headed for Tiananmen Square. It was truly an amazing place. From what I could gather, it's a monument to military and the leaders of China. On the south end General Mao Tao-Sing is still laying in state, viewed by thousands of Chinese a day. The viewing line was greater than a mile long and at 6-8 people wide. He was a leader that is still very highly regarded in China. They essentially worship him or similar status. From Tiananmen Square we entered the South gate of the Forbidden City. This is where, until the early 1900's, the Chinese Emperor and his family resided. I do not remember it's size exactly but it is easily the size of a small town at home. It was built beginning in 1409 and the architecture is absolutely phenomenal, almost impossible to describe. Within all of the buildings there are a total of over 9000 rooms. They ranged from bedrooms and entertainment type rooms to gardens and throne rooms. We walked from the south gate thru to the north gate. It was very interesting and educational. It was simply amazing to experience the history and to actually set foot in a place that once was "forbidden" to enter. From the Forbidden City we took a short ride to an ancient part of the city where we were taken on a rickshaw tour. If you are not familiar with a rickshaw, it is a bicycle with a bench seat in the back. The driver pedals you thru the streets. This was quite the experience. We began our tour by crossing a busy street. If you have read my previous entries, then you are aware of what kind of experience this was. After a few tense moments and some squeals from the girls, we were across the street safely and on our way. We wound our way thru some relatively small streets or what we would call alleys at home. Along the way we were able to learn about the area and the homes. It was difficult to determine if they were homes or not because they are actually surrounded by large exterior walls. Once you entered there was somewhat of a courtyard and then a maze of alleys in which you would wind your way back to different buildings. It is very common that your rooms are not attached. You may have your kitchen and laundry on one side and then your living quarters across a alley or narrow courtyard. Very much different than at home. We would not consider this a very affluent area by far in the US, but we learned that the ground in the area is very sought after - if it comes up for sell, it brings $5-8000/ square meter! We were able to have tea at one gentleman's home. He was extremely kind and was very open in sharing with us. His family has lived in the home for 5 generations. The whole rickshaw tour was very eye opening. Following the tour we headed for the hotel for some much needed rest. For our evening entertainment we headed to the Chinese Acrobatic Show at a theater in Beijing. This show was simply amazing. The performance had us all on the edge of our seats. I am quite certain the performers bodies are made out of silly puddy! The acrobats were very talented and put on a wonderful performance. Well that's it for today. Have a great day and we will update you again tomorrow. As a closing thought, I would like to share with you our delight in how incredibly friendly the Chinese are. Though their driving leaves much to be desired and the vendors are thick as flies, the Chinese are a pleasant people and very kind. We have yet to feel like we are in a foreign country.
