Taha and I headed out on the 11:00 flight on Friday night. We were very grateful to get out, because all the other flights were cancelled due to fog. After a deep nap, through heavy turbulence, we woke up in Beijing. It took us 2 and a half hours to get to our hostel, because we had to wait for a bus to take us across the runway and then wait in a giant line for a legal taxi. Needless to say we were exhausted and went straight to sleep. It was a super cute hostel, and Meg had shotgunned us a great little room.
Taheezy and I at the Monument to the People's Heroes
The next morning we woke up early and headed to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It was a bit of a trek to get there, being that we took a bus in the wrong direction. It was very impressive to see such an important and controversial historical location. I was a bit upset that we didn't get the chance to go to Mao's mausoleum because it closed at 12. Apparently they didn't decide to preserve his body until it had already begun to decay and now they alternate the body with a wax imitation. Next time I definitely want to check that out.
Statue for the Workers
Next we went across the street to see the Forbidden City. Again, the place has such an interesting history. I am glad that I have now had the opportunity to see how the past rulers of quite a few different countries lived. The common theme of isolation is always so intriguing to me. Chinese Emperors had a giant area to live and rule, not far from the center of the city - yet so entirely separate. It took about 2 hours to walk through the area from end to end. There are countless courtyards, and each layer would have been for a more elite crowd. The outer courtyards each have their own purpose according to different festivals. It was an interesting trip through some of China's history.
One of the layers of the Forbidden City
That evening we went to an acrobatic show. It was cirque du soleil-esque and very impressive! There were gymnasts, contortionists (my least favourite...), and various people who could do amazing feats. My favourite was the bicycle section. At one point a woman was pedalling a bike with 10 people piled on to it! It was a great show! Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any pictures.
Some pretty impressive artwork on the roof
After some french fries and a Christmas latte from Starbucks we headed to bed to get ready for an early morning on the Great Wall. But the Wall is a post for another day!
Hope all is well in Canada!
The entrance to the F.C. (notice Mao's giant face on the wall)
Chilling like an Emperor would
Golden beauty
The details on the roof remind me of Santa's sleigh...
The temple at the entrance to the square
Great post! It made me think about what it would have been like when the Emperor still lived there and politics were conducted in the Forbidden City. Such a powerful place! Have you seen the film "The Last Emperor"?
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