Hanging out in Beijing

Okay - so this blog format is getting the best of me. Not sure how these pictures will look as I can't make them behave. Oh well. You get the idea.

Today was Beijing day. Our guide, Michelle, is fantastic. We began the day at Tianiman (sp) Square. I believe all 17 million residents of Beijing were in the square at the same time we were. Holy smokes was it packed and this culture does not bother with lines, manners, or organization. You just gotta get in there and get 'er done. I am proud, I must say, that I was the only one gettin' er done in a red Cabelas cap. On a serious note, I am still learning and reading about the significance of this spot. However, suffice to say it's the figurative center of Beijing, where festivals and parties are held, and has also been the historical locale for speeches, ceremonies, etc by Chinese emperors, chairmen, and royalty. It has also been the site of protests, riots, and mass destruction.

We then went to the Forbidden City. In the early 1900s, China's imperial government was overthrown by Chairmen Mao; he began the Peoples Republic of China and the now communist government. Prior to him, China was ruled by emperors. The emperors lived in the Forbidden City - no one was able to enter but royalty. The architecture is over 500 years old and in incredible condition. I continue to read about Chinese history and have much to learn but the books I'm enjoying now have much more meaning after seeing these historical treasures.

Then we went to a silk factory where we saw how silk worms make silk. We saw the silk process from start to finish. Again - incredible. Those little worms have a very special purpose. I'm not sure what's inside their special thread that makes it so nice but evidently Abby knows since she bought three pillow cases that cost more than my mower. It's an old push mower but still...

Then we went to old downtown Beijing and rode in the rickshaws (sp). The streets were too narrow for a car. We got an inside peek into what real life is like. We even saw into someones home and visited for a while. The gentleman was nice and made a couple origami birds. The girls loved every minute of it. It was a crazy day with pushing, shoving, and tons and tons of people. And people kept coming up to the girls and getting their photo taken with them (blond hair is a novelty). The girls found their rhythm and were remarkably comfortable in this new environment. Fun stuff.

Tomorrow is the Great Wall and a jade factory then on to Guangjo. It is wonderful to be in China again and to see the sights and smell the smells. It is certainly not familiar to us but we are quite comfortable considering it's not all completely foreign. Well, actually it is but you know what I mean. We are enjoying all there is to enjoy and look forward to the ultimate point of the journey and that's Elani day! As Malea says - just two more sleeps!

Later.