The Summer Palace...Take 2

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We enjoyed the Summer Palace so much that we decided to go back there in the slightly warmer weather. Only, having mastered the subway system, we thought that we should try out the buses - it took a lot longer, and there was quite a lot of standing, but it was fine. The only thing I have a problem with is the fact that the people don't seem to know how to queue, or just choose not to. It really is a matter of elbows at the ready, and you just shove your way onto the bus. It helps that the three of us are a head taller than everyone else though!

We saw a lot more of the Summer Palace this time, because we didn't have to use all of our energy up just trying to keep warm. We explored the Palace of Longevity and Harmony, in which I got a photograph of myself in the guise of Empress Cixi, who resided there (just because you have to do at least one tacky tourist thing in every city!). We hiked up hundreds of steps to reach the Temple of Buddha of Incense, and walked across about thirty bridges - The Silk Bridge, The Mirror Bridge, The Bridge of Pastoral Poetry, and so on. And the lake was so frozen over that people were just wandering across it - Mark and Arran included (I chickened out). And we wandered down Sixhou Street, which is a bunch of little Chinese shops either side of a river that had frozen over - very picturesque!

And that's pretty much it for Beijing sightseeing! Tomorrow we're going with Arran to buy souvenirs for his family, and then we're packing, because we depart the day after! I've really liked Beijing, which has surprised me. It feels very much like the UK, in terms of the level of development, only with lots of temples, palaces, etc. Some of the people do stare at you, especially the children, and we've had more than one set of people who've asked if they can take our photographs, but I feel really safe here! Hopefully I'll enjoy the next place just as much!

Also, just in case I don't get to go onto the computer tomorrow - Happy Birthday Ami!!!! We've looked everywhere for anything that vaguely resembles a birthday card, but have been unsuccessful 😞 Hope you don't mind waiting until we get back for your birthday present! Have a great day! Cez and Mark xxx

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Comments

[susan houlbrook]

Majestic
Hi All. Ceri, you look magnificent as the Empress. Buy the outfit! It will catch on in the Manchester Club scene, i'm sure. Thanks for all the pics from Bejing. Glad you enjoyed the experience and onwards to ..........where exactly? Speak soon Mumxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Mum]

Walking on Water
Don't tell me u have 2 walk across the ice in Sixhou street to get on the boat! Not sure I would dare to do that either - Looks cold! Really wish I was there with u! Love u lots - specially the Empress!! Mumxx

[dave`drinkwater]

Ceri I've discovered you blog!
Yo Cez and The Darklord! You look great in the empress gear, very forbidden palace! just to lrt you know we love and miss you! But are happy that you've managed this once in a lifetime journey. I'm round at Polefield at the mo, must say it's very quiet without you guys here! No mad partaying or strange dressing up sessions now you're gone! I know this is an entry on an earlier blog, but hey, i ain't sussed this out yet, (anologue mind versus digital equipment!). I believe you're on a train journey tonight, off to xanadu or some place beginning with an 'x'... sleep well, stay tall! Love from yer Uncle Dinx! XXX