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...
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...
