Thanks so much for visiting us during our journey, Steve, Allison, Sean, Megan, Ryan and Katelyn!
June 20, 2008
An invisible red thread connects those who are destined
to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance.
The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break.
-An Ancient Chinese Belief
Today we visited the ancient Summer Palace just north of the Imperial City, the Drum Tower & Bell Tower, and the Hutong District. The weather was not so hot and humid as expected, but more "overcast" (actually a haze-like smog or pollution) that allowed less than a few blocks of view.
The Summer Palace was built over 600 years ago as a vacation home by the Dragon Empress (she was known as demanding and not well liked). It is essentially alot like the Imperial City wrapped around a lake with lush landscaping mixed in. Her Marble Boat (real marble) was built to illustrate the stability of her reign. She once tripped on an ornate marble bridge with steep steps over a creek (she wore high heals) and demanded another bridge be built next to it without the steps. She also demanded over 120 meals be prepared each meal, but only ate a very small portion (the rest was to reduce the risk of being poisoned).
The Drum Tower and Bell Tower are north of the Imperial City on the northern axis (that now leads to the Olympic Village). Their purpose was to tell time and be the community time piece. The bells tolled throughout the week days every hour, and the quieter drums were beat over the weekends every hour.
The Hutong District is a community of very small houses jumbled together around water wells (hutongs) built over 600 years ago. The water wells are also the location of community rest rooms, kitchens, and showers. Over time, the locals have utilized founds materials to mend the buildings and construct "additions". One large urban space is used essentially as a senior citizen activity area...a great sense of community (with many tourists invading daily taking pictures).
Sean Says:
Today was a very good day. The summer palace was very calming and relaxing compared to the noisy city. I did not try the squatty potty, a standard toilet is my choice when available. At the Pearl Market I was able to choose an oyster from a tank and open it to find over 20 small pearls inside (they gave me 2 of them). The Drum Tower was awesome, we watched them demonstrate the drumming at 3:30pm. The incredibly steep stairs leading up to the tower were scary and challenging (not to mention not safe), but the experience was worth the climb...the view was great and the drums were huge (one of the original drums from 600 years ago was on display...but not functioning). The Hutong District looked cool but I can't imagine living in them...it reminds me of rustic camping...but this is their daily way of life! We are truly spoiled in the U.S.A. I'm resting for the climb up the Great Wall tomorrow.
