Today was really busy. We started at 8:30 am and came back to the hotel at
8:30 pm. Whew!
First, we visited Tiananmen Square - the symbol of new China to its people,
It's the "front door" to the Forbidden City. The square was built in 1417 during
the Ming Dynasty. Today, it was packed with tourists and peddlers. Brian
left with a Chairman Mao watch.
Next, we entered the Forbidden City, now also referred to as the Imperial
Palace Museum. The Forbidden City was occupied by the emperors during the
dynasty period, and the people were not permitted inside. The city contains
9,999 rooms, all for the use of the emperor. (He had as many as 3,000
concubines who lived in the palace.) Currently, it is being refurbished. The
repainted portions are beautiful; the colors are vibrant.
Davis and the other children continue to be popular photo subjects. It's odd
how interested many of the Chinese are in Caucasian kiddos.
We enjoyed hearing the history of the square and city. Davis loved seeing all
the things he's seen in Mulan!
After a Chinese lunch (good, but I'll be sick of Chinese food by the time we get
home!), we went to the Summer Palace. This palace was built during the Jin
Dynasty and was refurbished by the Dragon Lady, who ruled China for more
than 40 years, in the late 1800s.
Next, we went to the government-run pearl market and silk market. Both
were interesting, but expensive. There's no bargaining at these stores. We
did get a silk outfit for Davis and Naomi.
Davis slept through dinner again, and Brian has already crashed, too. We'll
post after tomorrow's adventures!
photographer!
admiring fans
lions!
cocoons
