And boy do I mean Full. We left about 8:30 after sleeping all night long from 6pm the night before. Zane was waiting on the bed for his turn to shower and he fell asleep in his clothes. (and slept in the same spot for 12 hrs.)
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square. It took a long time to get into the city. There are so many cars now!! And NICE cars at that. So we saw the square and the Forbidden City.
Then we had lunch and went on a Hutong Tour. We rode in the back of bicycle powered rickshaws through the very old parts of Beijing. A Hutong is a very small alley that connects "houses" The house is 4 separate buildings with a courtyard in the middle. We were able to visit with a local man and tour inside his house. His parents had bought the place in 1925 and he grew up there and then raised his children there as well.
Our first stop was Tiananmen Square. It took a long time to get into the city. There are so many cars now!! And NICE cars at that. So we saw the square and the Forbidden City.
Then we had lunch and went on a Hutong Tour. We rode in the back of bicycle powered rickshaws through the very old parts of Beijing. A Hutong is a very small alley that connects "houses" The house is 4 separate buildings with a courtyard in the middle. We were able to visit with a local man and tour inside his house. His parents had bought the place in 1925 and he grew up there and then raised his children there as well.
Inside the courtyard of each house they have a fish pot. It is used to collect and hold water in case of a fire. I think the goldfish are added for decoration.
Next stop was the Temple of Heaven. This is the place where the emporer went to pray 4 times a year. He was the only person allowed there. Now it is open to the public (with a fee) and many local people go there to sing, play instruments, play cards. It is very shaded and many times is much cooler also.
We left the Temple and went to a shopping market that was 4 stories high. Each floor had many "great deals" I could have bought 1000's of different pajminas, coach purses, ipods or tennis shoes. In fact Zane got a pair of Converse for about $10. The look on his face was priceless when the women started yelling at him - "buy mine, I have your size, look here, good price" They all had the same "stock" and really wanted you to buy from their booth. I really thought he would hate all the yelling but he enjoyed the bartering. He wants to go back there tomorrow.
Then we rushed in to the acrobat show. It is truly amazing to watch the acts these people can perform. The last stop was dinner and then back to the apartment. We are beat and hopefully will get another good night of sleep.
Then we rushed in to the acrobat show. It is truly amazing to watch the acts these people can perform. The last stop was dinner and then back to the apartment. We are beat and hopefully will get another good night of sleep.
1 comment:
Sounds like you guys are very busy. Alli and I just got all caught up :o) We are just so excited for you guys. I have trouble reading everything because I get so excited I start to cry! (in case you haven't heard I am very emotional......Allen said he never knew what "happy-sad" was until he met me) Tell David Happy Father's Day. Can't wait to read more and see more photos!- Kelli & Alli Roe
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