Guest Bloggers in Beijing!

One of my favorite parts about living abroad is getting the chance to see the world from a different perspective. Loyal blog readers, you're probably ready for a break of hearing everything only from me, so here's China from a new POV… welcome to my first guest bloggers!!! Two of my favorite ladies: my mom Karen and Aunt Kimberly.  This is both their first trip to China and we are on a group tour heading to the famous sights all over China. Our first stop is Beijing!

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From Karen & Kimberly...

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Hi everyone, we’re so excited to guest blog, yet don’t know how to begin as Jacqueline writes so creatively and effortlessly.  We are coming to you from Beijing, China, where our tour of the "Golden Triangle" begins.  Joining us on the tour are four dear friends; Terry, Chuck, Diane and Paul, plus Jacqueline and Bob, along with our tour guide, Kevin and 20 new friends.  Thank goodness we brought our rain gear as we are going to need it. 

Like every good tour guide, Kevin made sure we were enlightened on the important facts for a successful odyssey, including a 20 minute dissertation on “Happy Places,” known to us Americans as restrooms.  (Please see earlier blog for details on proper bathroom foot placement and t.p. preparation and disposal).  Now that we are down with the local customs, we can confidently begin seeing the sights, first destination Tiananmen Square.  Tiananmen Square is the largest square in the world.  While known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, it has not always been so peaceful.   We found it difficult to imagine all the history that’s taken place in this currently unassuming, expansive area found in the middle of a bustling street in the heart of Beijing’s business district.

Got our ponchos on!

Standing guard at Tiananmen Square

Unexpected Beauty

Across the street and under the famed portrait of Chairman Mao, we entered the Forbidden City, a 9,999.5 roomed compound, homed to 24 emperors who ruled the middle kingdom for nearly 500 years (1420 – 1911).  Now, this was impressive, as were all the stories about emperors, armies, eunuchs and concubines, (or as Kevin referred to them, cucumbers)!!  Pictures don’t do the City justice.  In two hours we barely scratched the surface.

The first of countless courtyards in the Forbidden City

The Guardian Lions

Some up-close details

Rub the lion for good luck

The imperial garden. Stunning rock formations.

Headed back out to the moat surrounding the Forbidden City.

Next we thought we would be putting our feet up on a leisurely stroll through Beijing’s Hutong’s (maze like alleyways) in a rickshaw for a traditional home cooked lunch at a local family’s private home.  The ride was anything but relaxing!  So happens our drivers thought it was a chance to show off their NASCAR skills; think of a crashing and swerving tricycle with fringe on top.

And we’re off!  The wild ride not captured on film...

Mrs. Song welcomes us to her home for lunch

On to the Summer Palace, built as a summer get-away for the Empress known as the Dragon Lady.  If we thought the Forbidden City was eye candy, this sure had potential if only it wasn’t quite so smoggy.  We quickly learned to use our imagination in Beijing if we wanted blue sky and sunshine.  What should be a gorgeous view of a lake surrounded by hills and temples are gray shadowy outlines.  Just squint a little and you’ll see them. 

Dragon Boat

Lake in the center of the palace compound. (The lake is man-made as well as some fake temples on the other side, purely so the Empress could have the best views)

Here's where a vivid imagination comes in handy

Water lilies

To culminate the night, tasty traditional Peking Duck and then a little girl time.  Thanks Bob for taking the picture and putting up with the crazies.

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Thanks to my amazing travel buddies for sharing their 1st day in Beijing! I know it's tricky to write about so many wonderful things we saw but I wouldn't change a thing! Next is our trip to the Great (Foggy) Wall...