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Published: October 19th 2011
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Well, here we are - the last day of our Beijing adventure. I will admit, the fog, smog and cigarette smoke (almost everywhere) is beginning to bother my throat - once again, the 'freedoms' that we experience in Canada get taken for granted!
I will also admit, however, that it's been one fabulous experience. I have had the opportunity to visit places that have been on my 'wish list' for a very long time. This morning, up and at 'em - and we were at the Zoo to see the panda bears. Fabulous - adorable - incredible. One fellow was sitting right there, waiting for me (really!) once we got into the viewing area. Got a great photo and was quite content right there.
Back on the bus, and off we went to the Great Wall of China. Wow - that's all I can say - wow - look at the bazillion people here - wow - look at the stunning fall colors on the trees (who knew!?) - wow - think of the history as we climb those (very steep) steps! Many of the steps were quite high for my short, little legs, LOL! And with the smog
in the air, I got winded quite easily - BUT........I WAS STANDING AT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA!!!! Can you feel my excitement!?
Then we went to a fun little restaurant/gift shop for lunch - so much great food - so many interesting new tastes for the palate - it was fun and enjoyable. Lots of my fellow passengers spent time in the shops later - gathering gifts for kids and grandkids and friends. I went for a chocolate ice-cream bar - and that's just the plain truth. It was hot outside and I needed 'just that little something' after our yummy lunch. 😊
Back to the hotel for a brief rest - and we were off to see an acrobatic show. That was stunning - such incredible talent - but a funny thing happened on the way to the show.......No, really! I was sitting at the front of the bus with Mary, from Travel Guild and I turned to her and say, "Hey Mary, since we have a long night ahead of us (wake up call at 2:30 a.m. - depart hotel at 3:30 a.m. - I kid you not!) - I need to come up with
a very interesting story for the blog tonight - 'cause that's what I will be working on while all the rest of you 'nap". I'm not a napper - so I needed something to keep me awake. I no sooner got the words out of my mouth and BAM! A taxi cab came out of nowhere and drove right in front of our bus - the bus driver did his best to hit the brakes and stop the bus - but, in spite of that, we did have a collison - and there was my story. Freaky! Be careful what you ask for!!!! (pictures below)
That did cause a bit of a delay in getting to the acrobat show - but we did arrive in time for a good half hour and it was totally amazing. Such talent - phenomenal entertainment. Back on the bus for yet another yummy meal - Peking Duck (my brother Art will be drooling right about now!) - I'm not much of a fan for duck but I will say, when done right, it's pretty darn good. We all agreed that the meal was splendid.
Then, yes, back on the bus - back
to the hotel - double check that the wake up call is scheduled for everyone - 'no man to be left behind', LOL!
(Note - for those of you who, by now, are getting ready to contact Travel Guild and book yourself on one of these trips of a lifetime - just know that, typically, our flights are mid to late morning. This is a very unique and special situation coming in and out of Beijing and it has to do with their regulations. Just sayin'!)
Also, I should note - again, that this travel blog is addictive, LOL - I know you are all sitting out there, coffee in hand, just waiting for the next update - and we do appreciate all you kind notes. It's fun to have you with us.
So, buckle up (no, wait - that's what I have to do) - sit back, relax and enjoy these many photos from a day to remember! Now, off to Viet Nam........I can already hear Robin Williams' voice: "Good morning, Viet Nam!!!!!!"
Bye for now. (Good night, Mom - I love you!)
Happy Pat
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Emma Viola
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Great Wall of China
OMG....I look so forward to reading every day....Great Wall of China pictures are amazing....what an experience!! Glad I am able to see through your eyes...keep blogging!