China -Day 4

Our last day in Beijing was a long and tiring day. We fit so much in to one day. I think we left the hotel at 8:30 am, and we didn't return until almost 9:45 pm.

The bus first took us to The Temple of Heaven. This was a really interesting place. Its layout symbolizes the belief that Heaven is round, and the earth is square. The Temple of Heaven was completed in 1420 and was originally a platform for the Son of Heaven (the emperor) to perform sacrifices and solemn rites. It covers an area of 273 hectares, smaller than the Summer Palace while bigger than the Forbidden City.

Even though the Temple of Heaven was beautiful, it wasn't the biggest attraction for us. The biggest attraction were the performers in the park leading up to the Temple. There were groups of people playing checkers, cards, dominoes, etc. There were also music groups and dance groups performers. They were playing instruments and singing. Also, at the front of the park, people were doing Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese Martial Art. Tai Chi is supposedly very good for your health. Our guide said people get to the park at 5:30 in the morning when it opens so they can do Tai Chi all day. No wonder there are not a long of overweight people in China. We saw many people doing Tai Chi with a racket and ball, so we bargained for one. We bought a set for the boys to play- it is a fun game.

This was also where my friend Melissa witnessed something so disgusting that I have to blog about it. Some of the toilets in China do not have doors on them. So basically, you walk into this big area with a bunch of holes built into the ground, and there you have it- you have to go with everybody else, no privacy. So anyway, she took her daughter into the bathroom, and there was a lady squatting down doing her daily duty. Yes, right there in front of everyone. I am so glad I decided I would wait until our next stop to go to the bathroom. However, the next stop was the Hutong area, which is where I ended up going in one of these same toilets. However, I was not blessed by anyone else's presence while I was in there. :)

The next stop was the Hutong area, which is the oldest neighborhood in Beijing. This was a very interesting place. We started off by taking a rickshaw ride through the area. I rode with Matthew, and Patrick and Brian went together. The Hutong area has common housing areas where families share a courtyard and kitchen. They are by no means luxury. In fact, it looked as if it were a very poor area. However, Allen told us that just because these famlies live here doesn't mean they are poor. It is a very familiar and comfortable life for them. The older people who have lived there for years don't want to leave because it is all they have known. We had a local family make us a delicious Chinese lunch in their common eating area. It was great food but I don't know how they prepared it all because the kitchen was so tiny. We got to talk with the families and ask questions. Our guide, Allen had actually grown up in one of the homes when he was a child. He has moved since, but many don't choose to leave. So I decided after lunch that I needed to go to the bathroom, which was where I experienced the no door and no privacy toilets. NOT my idea of fun- I had to have my friend come in to take my picture. What an experience.

After leaving Hutong, we headed to the Olympic sites. We had about 45 min to walk around and take pictures. The line was too long to get into the water cube (Magic Box they call it) where Michael Phelps got all of his world records. The Birdsnest was really impressive to see as well. It was really neat to be there just three months after the games. It was a packed area, and many people still go to see the sites and take it all in.

Our last stop before dinner was Silk Alley. This is several floors of knock off clothing, purses, bags, electronics, coats, watches, etc. It is truly an experience. They are very pushy. We didn't haggle for a lot, but did come away with a Northface jacket (fake of course) for Brian, and some coats for the boys. I did not opt to buy a Prada purse like many ladies tried to get me to do. They said, "Hey lady- you want Prada- How about Gucci?" "I give you good deal." They act like we have been friends for years. One said to me, "I met you last year here- you bought bag from me. Want another? Your husband handsome- he need wallet?" It was hilarious. I never was there last year, so she was full of it! The boys got to haggle for small pieces of jade that they wanted. They were pretty good at it.

We stopped for dinner at an American food place, which was the worst dinner we had during our time in Beijing. It was a buffet and not very appetizing. After dinner we went to a Chinese acrobat show, which was absolutely amazing and a highlight for all of us. No wonder the Chinese win the gold in Gymnastics all of the time. I can't believe what they can do with their bodies. The contortionist really really impressed the boys. They were amazed.

We got back to the hotel around 10:00 and by 2:00 in the morning, Patrick and I were both in the bathroom with our heads in the toilet. We were sick as dogs. Not what we needed for our long trek back to Japan. We were sick all morning, and the whole plane ride home. At least it happened the last day so we didn't miss anything. It was definitely the flu and not something we ate. Many people had this 18 hour flu while we were in Beijing. Matthew and Brian escaped it, so they were lucky.

Okay- that is China in a nutshell. We loved it! I will post the pictures from this day soon. I just wanted to get this posted before I forget everything. Look for pictures soon.