Still in Beijing :)

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Hi to Friends and Family -
Thanks for your comments, it is always nice to hear from people back home. First matter of business - our tour guide gave us that 40,000 number for traffic fatalities but have not been able to confirm it. When I started to do the math I think she probably added 3 too many zeros. THe point is - traffic is horrendous here, it makes Las Vegas look like fun. I am always amazed when the driver of the taxi or bus delivers us safely to our destination. Our tour guide is a university graduate who speaks excellent English. She has been amazingly candid about some of the problems China is facing however I was warned to be careful what I repeat on this blog as Big Brother is alive and well here in China and comments here could get her in trouble. I am keeping a daily journal and will have a lot to share with all of you on my return. We were also instructed to not to ask questions of anyone concerning the the three forbidden "T's" - Taiwan, Tiananmen, Tibet.

Day before yesterday we visited the Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. They are so huge, larger than anything I ever imagined. THe Forbidden City, home of the Ming and Qing emperors was like the onion from "Shrek", it had many layers. There were no spaces for trees because of security - emperors were also fearful of being assasinated. The large open areas you see today are relatively new. THey used to be filled with office buildings for all the bureaucrats but during the Boxer Rebellion (late 19th Century) and the Japanese invasion (early 20th century) most of those buildings were destroyed. The roofs are all made yellow tile, the color of the earth, and exclusively used by the imperial family. The city is laid out on an exact grid oriented to north/south/east/west. Small figures on the corner of all roofs protect the buildings from evil spirits who can only enter on a diagonal.

In preparation for the Olympics I was amused by an article in the China Daily newspaper. There is an official in charge of promoting civilized behavior in Beijing. The 11th of every month has been designated as a practice day for citizens of the city to practice "Queuing, not jumping lines, not spitting, littering or hawing (clearing one's throat loudly." It is called "Pre-Olympic Behavior Modification." 😊

Well- have much more but best close as my time is almost up. Best to you all.

Zai Jyen.
Ms. E. (Patty, Mom, Grandma & Honey)

We also visited a silk factory and saw the entire process from the silk worm to the exquisitely finished products. One silk work cocoon when unraveled will stretch about a mile!

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Comments

[wendy]

Patty, Remember I said to stay away from the open markets! Cat or duck? Who knows? Looks like you are having fun even if you didn't smile on the rick shaw thing! Stay safe and don't foget the good stuff we can talk about on our walks..Love you Wendy

[Elizabeth D.]

Hola Ms.E
Did you manage to snag a silk worm? ha ha just kidding Ms.E. What no assignments for your up coming class...they must feel ever so neglected, I think they'll need at least 3 to make up for their loss. I think Las Vegas needs a public time to practice courtesy in lines, especially at the DMV. Hope you keep enjoying your trip and keep posting about what you see(I'll find/send a fast, portable modem if neccessary) Happy Thoughts, Elizabeth D. -I survived A.P World History 06-07!!!!