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Published: December 13th 2006
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Day 2
Awoke at around 5.00am naturally, thinking it was about 9am and with an early breakfast, we set off at 9am to one of the wonders of the world.
Still abit jet lagged, I slept in the car whilst our guide pointed out various attractions - an hour and a half later we arrived at the Great Wall of China. On went our hats and scarves and off we went into the misty distance climbing the longest wall in the world...abit chilling and mysterious. We reached the first tower (towers set 500 metres apart) fairly quickly and felt somewhat smug in doing so and on looking up and beyond, we still had a fair way to go before reaching the 4th tower. Out tour guide mentioned that you're only a hero if u reach this point, so accordingly to us he had given us a challenge, without actually saying. By the second tower - the views of the mountains were amazing, the wall stretched for miles through clouds of mist, steep hills and sharp corners - spectacular and beyond words. By the time we got to the 4th tower, hats were off and gloves in pockets and for
the first time since arriving in China - we felt hot.
Chinese men and women selling everything from cushion covers to 'I climbed the great wall' T-shirts were far from few and I even had my arms yanked off by one of the vendors pushing me to buy a cashmere scarf.
We then went on to see the Ming Tombs, where Emporers were buried - Abit creepy, lots of history and to be quite honest - boring. I think the most interesting thing here was the rather lovely tree growing out of an arch of rock.
On the way back to the hotel, we stopped off at Sacred Way which is where the Emperors would pass during the funeral procession, on both sides of this walkway were statues of various animals - as guards and signifying various virtues.
We also managed to see from the outside, the new Olympic Stadiumm in construction and will take the form of a birds nest - not sure why - strange!
Day 3 - Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, Beijing Zoo and more!
What a day - jet lag is truly a thing of the past, we were on top
form today and managed to see all of the above
We started off with views of the biggest square in the world, Tianamen Square, putting Leicester Square to shame! Unofficially this square can hold about 1 million people - totally breath-taking - you'll see from the photos! With history to match - this square is no doubt a worthwhile visit.
Forbidden City - Walking through the square, and right down the other end is the Forbidden City - A City within a City! This palace was home to the Emperors of course with over 800 buildings - we needed a map to get around and to be honest probably a day to full appreciate all the rooms - by the end of this we where sooooo tired and my blister was sore! - an amazing palace, but you'd need an A-Z to get around.
We didnt let the tiredness stop us - Beijing Zoo was our next stop - if only to see the Giant Chinese Panda and I must say it was well worth the 25 mins cab journey! Gorgeous, playful and cuddly, the panda was my favourite of the day!
Our next visit was
the White Cloud Temple - and although a photo in the guide book was totally deceiving, again an amazing visit. With incense sticks all over, it was an experience never to forget - It was an added bonus seeing a place untouched by tourism.
By this time, we were shattered so had to go back to the hotel for a short siesta and then well rested, we set off again for abit of shopping.
One of the most annoying things about shopping here is that the assistants pounce on you and without even giving you a second to contemplate you're in the changing rooms trying everything on - came out of the shop however, with a fab pair of jeans!
If you're into BUGS and snakes, then this next stop is for you - bugs galore, Donghuamen Night market is an adventure - from grasshoppers to scorpions, all on sticks you'll be spoilt for choice - it was gross, I couldnt even take any pictures - so Mukesh did!!!!
On the outskits of the markets are millions of electronic shops and designer stores - we ended up buying a fantastic digital camera and a bargain price and
in true style Mukesh spend the rest of the evening playing with his new toy - kept him quiet though!
Summary of Beijing - amazing culture & history and people, taxi drivers havent got a clue where they are going, manic roads, millions of cars! lots of spitting, and no such thing as vegetable with black bean sauce - a brilliant start to our travels - on our way to Hong Kong now!
Seeya!
xxx
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GEM AND MUM
non-member comment
HELLO
GOSH THE DIARY IS GREAT, AND THE PHOTO'S ARE FAB....FEEL VERY JELOUS,WISH I WAS THERE.... MUKESH.. - DID YOU EAT ANY BUGS!!!!! - THEY LOOK AWFUL. MUM SAID THE PHOTO'S ARE NICE, YOU GUYS LOOK WELL.