Amazing Beijing

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I am writing this on our flight from Beijing to Xian and it really has been the first time that I have had time to sit and just write. Three full days in Beijing and what can I say - two things come to mind - WOW! and yes Max, I survived the crowds!

Highlights were the Great Wall and lunch in the Hutong with a local family - the only lowlight was my lost bag for the first 24 hours and having to wear Greg's clothes for a day!

We had good flights on all the legs over and arrived in Beijing at about 11pm, met quite a few people who were also on the tour at the airport as well as our tour guide. Hotel was excellent but we were unable to get the internet to work so haven't been in touch with anyone via skype or email or been able to update the blog.

The sights we have seen have been amazing - we started with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden city in the morning - traffic to get anywhere and the crowds when you get there are full on but our local guides show us the highlights of each of the places and we are learning quite a lot of interesting historical information which has been great.

We had an early start on Day 3 to get to the Great Wall early before the crowds and it was just as well. Greg and I climbed probably about 90% of the way up a 4.5 km section of the wall. First incline was very steep but you don't realise how steep until you start to come down. Vertigo was kept well in check and our knees and leg muscles were given a good workout going both up and down but it was well worth it. The views were spectacular and just being there on the Great Wall was very moving. As we were coming down the crowds were arriving and there were people everywhere which would have detracted from the climb so we were so glad to get there early. After the wall we went to a Jade factory to learn how they carve the jade and also of course so that they could sell us some! We succumbed! Also visited the Temple of Heaven - such lovely peaceful names - you just have to learn to block out the tourists to get a sense of the peacefulness that these ancient builders were trying to create.

The food has been very interesting and mostly enjoyable - I have tried everything pretty much and not used a fork at all - we had Peking Duck banquet on our first night. Breakfasts are buffet style with a mix of western and chinese. The best lunch that we have had was yesterday at the house of a local Kung Fu master and his wife in one of the Hutongs. They open up their house to tourists and cook them an authentic meal and spend time answering questions about their day to day life.

We have also been to see The Summer Palace with it's man made lake and marble boat and Long Walk - 750 metres of walkway which is the longest art gallery in the world. We have taken in a couple of shows - a Kung Fu show and acrobatic show and we also got the opportunity to see the Birds Nest Olympic stadium and the Water Cube and take a rickshaw ride. First opportunity to shop was yesterday at the Silk Market - didn't take too much of an advantage as it wasn't an enjoyable experience - it was an experience though!

Will write again after our visit to Xian and hopefully post some photos then.

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Photos

The Forbidden City
The Emperor's Reception hall

The Marble Boat
Built by the Dragon Lady - mother of a child Emperor who ruled for over 40 years

Our Hutong Hosts
The family where we had lunch in the Hutong in Beijing

Comments

[Kat]

jade
Do you mean Jade as in the stone? Can't wait to hear more xoxo