Finally, the Forbidden City

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Well, this was our last full day in China and we got up early and was at the Forbidden City about 15 minutes before it opened. There was still quite a crowd, but nothing like the other days we had tried to come. We didn't realize that the tourist tours would start this week and it is intimidating to see all these tour buses disgorging all these keen people to see everything possible in a short time. The smog is unbelievable compared to 2 weeks ago when we first got here. We are ready to get home and get back into real life again.
The biggest three buildings of The Forbidden City ( the ones you see in movies) are closed and being restored for the 2008 Olympic Games, so that cut down quite a bit on the sightseeing. The most amazing thing about the Forbidden City is the immensity of the it. In the times of the dynasties, it actually covered much more land. In fact, Tianamen Square was a part of the Forbidden City and the place where the officials came to meet with the emperor. It can easily hold 1 million people, so that's the scope of size we are seeing here. We walked down to it and through it and then back to the hotel and it had to be a good 5 or 6 miles. From Tianamen Gate to the Northern Gate was probably close to 1 1/2 to 2 miles. We were a little zonkered after starting so early. After we got back, we kept saying,”Why didn’t we just take a taxi?” Who knows?
Some of the really interesting parts were where the Empress and concubines lived since they still had the furniture and you could see the beautiful wooden furniture and embroidered covers that are new, but quite breathtaking. It was nice in the garden to see where they could go out and enjoy the fresh air a little. The Emperor had, in one of the halls, a Throne of doing nothing. Sounded like he needed a break now & then too.
This should be our last blog since we start home tomorrow. We might be able to do a little in Vancouver at the airport. Please keep us and Chrissy in your prayers as we all fly home for Friday the 16th.
Loved all your comments and really want to say thanks again to all our relatives for making Chrissy’s Great Adventure such a wonderful time. She never had time to get homesick or even miss us. See you soon.

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Photos

Peking Duck being carved
This was just as good as they said it was.

Our hotel at night
We walked about 30 minutes each night after dinner. Always a crowd.

Finally, The Forbidden City
We beat the crowds today. It was getting busy when we left about 10:30 am.

An "Emperor" greeting us

Crossing the Moat
This was the beginning of the real
Forbidden City. It was very much like a prison for those on the inside.

Under Resoration
You could hear the workers banging away, but no electric tools.

The Imperial Garden
Quite exquisite even in winter conditions

Spring Trying to Pop Out
This gave us hope that the Forsythia is blooming at home

Beautiful way to say "Don't Touch!"

Leaving the Northern Gate
These temples and the mountain used to be part of the Forbidden City.