Wen with the hostess, the group at the show, and the snooty sisters who wouldn't sit with us.
This morning we started a bit later and headed down to the middle of Beijing to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. The bus dropped us off by the National Centre for Performing Arts which was an amazing building. Shaped like a dome, it was made of glass, with a reflecting pool all the way around it. Under one section of the reflecting pool, there appeared to be a ceiling. As we walked on, it seemed that the entrance goes under that glassed ceiling. It would have been great to walk through it.
This morning we started a bit later and headed down to the middle of Beijing to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City. The bus dropped us off by the National Centre for Performing Arts which was an amazing building. Shaped like a dome, it was made of glass, with a reflecting pool all the way around it. Under one section of the reflecting pool, there appeared to be a ceiling. As we walked on, it seemed that the entrance goes under that glassed ceiling. It would have been great to walk through it.
The National Centre for Performing Arts, and our group under a tree - it was HOT.
We left that area and walked along a street. At the corner we could see the Forbidden City across the street – evident mostly by the large portrait of Mao. Across the other street from us and from that building was Tian’anmen Square. I didn’t even realize that’s what it was… I’m not sure if it was the perspective or the lack of official signage, but it didn’t seem like much more than a city park. There were some interesting sculptures for the Olympics, but nothing of historical interest that I could see.
We crossed under the busy street and entered into the Forbidden City. The City was the home of the Emperor for hundreds of years. It is made up of large courtyard squares and buildings with walls. Deep in the centre are palaces where the Emperors slept, where they kept their wives and concubines. It was difficult to see anything inside the buildings, but again the buildings were gorgeous. At the end of our walk through, was the Imperial Garden with trees and pavilions and rock formations. It was really nice, cool and relaxing after a hot sunny walk.
We came back to the hotel after that and Julie and I headed out to the open air market again. We found some more trinkets, and then brought McD’s home for dinner. We’ve been hanging out in the hotel since, playing with Wen and dancing.
She continues to do well. She now knows “YUCK!” and uses it appropriately. She didn’t like her nuggets, so she said “YUCK” and tossed it away. She chatters away in Mandarin, but most of it we obviously don’t understand. Actually she says less now than she used to, I think she’s figured out we don’t understand her. I’ve got a good guess on some of her more common phrases. She’s still ready to imitate any English and is starting to copy some on her own without prompting. She said something tonight that was very close to “oh shit” but I don’t remember any of us saying that so I’m hoping it’s a Chinese phrase that has an unfortunately similar pronunciation.
One more full day here in Beijing, then a half day and a flight on Friday. Tomorrow we’re heading out to the aquarium, and then maybe more shopping. I’ve filled my list for the most part, so my shopping will be picky. We also want to see the Temple of Heaven, either tomorrow or Friday morning, depending.
N
We left that area and walked along a street. At the corner we could see the Forbidden City across the street – evident mostly by the large portrait of Mao. Across the other street from us and from that building was Tian’anmen Square. I didn’t even realize that’s what it was… I’m not sure if it was the perspective or the lack of official signage, but it didn’t seem like much more than a city park. There were some interesting sculptures for the Olympics, but nothing of historical interest that I could see.
We crossed under the busy street and entered into the Forbidden City. The City was the home of the Emperor for hundreds of years. It is made up of large courtyard squares and buildings with walls. Deep in the centre are palaces where the Emperors slept, where they kept their wives and concubines. It was difficult to see anything inside the buildings, but again the buildings were gorgeous. At the end of our walk through, was the Imperial Garden with trees and pavilions and rock formations. It was really nice, cool and relaxing after a hot sunny walk.
Julie is strutting over the middle bridge (of five bridges) reserved only for the Emperor.
Steve taking a break...
Steve taking a break...
A four star washroom - still squatty potties though.
Inside the Empress' palace and bedroom, a flower in the garden.
Julie and Steve are toured out.
Three pretty girls on a bus.
We came back to the hotel after that and Julie and I headed out to the open air market again. We found some more trinkets, and then brought McD’s home for dinner. We’ve been hanging out in the hotel since, playing with Wen and dancing.
Wen dancing with Julie to the music on her Ipod, her "cheese" smile and first Happy Meal.
She continues to do well. She now knows “YUCK!” and uses it appropriately. She didn’t like her nuggets, so she said “YUCK” and tossed it away. She chatters away in Mandarin, but most of it we obviously don’t understand. Actually she says less now than she used to, I think she’s figured out we don’t understand her. I’ve got a good guess on some of her more common phrases. She’s still ready to imitate any English and is starting to copy some on her own without prompting. She said something tonight that was very close to “oh shit” but I don’t remember any of us saying that so I’m hoping it’s a Chinese phrase that has an unfortunately similar pronunciation.
One more full day here in Beijing, then a half day and a flight on Friday. Tomorrow we’re heading out to the aquarium, and then maybe more shopping. I’ve filled my list for the most part, so my shopping will be picky. We also want to see the Temple of Heaven, either tomorrow or Friday morning, depending.
N
And some Odds'N'Ends:
Last night Wen tucked her baby into bed beside her. Tink does this too, but her babies sleep face down.
Wen and Kira playing in the curtains.
1 comment:
Gorgeous picstures, as always!
The squatty potties...are those the ones that leave you with great potential to pee on your shoes? I'm not sure that would rate 4 stars with me! :-P
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