Because Beijing is not known for its blue skies and fresh air, we were taken by surprise when we arrived to a beautiful sunny spring day! We were so anxious to get out and see the sights that, despite having woke up at 4 a.m. to catch our 8 a.m. flight, we spent a short time catching our breath after arriving at our hotel, and then it was in a taxi through the congested streets to the Forbidden City, which is more commonly known as the Palace Museum in Beijing, and the adjacent Tienanmen Square.
Unfortunately for us, there were many buildings under renovation, no doubt trying to get as many done before the Olympics this summer. It was nice to be able to see those that had already been completed, all the bright and vibrant colors and the intricate designs. They are really beautiful. There are about 1000 buildings in the Complex, with around 9,000 rooms! The Emporer obviously lived in splendor, along with the Empress and his many concubines and servants who catered to his every whim, to say the least. . . up until about 1912, that is.
This location needs no description. It's a bit surreal to physically be present in a place you have seen on T.V. so many times.
I wonder how many people can say they cart-wheeled their way around Tiananmen Square?! You can't help but think about what took place here in this large open area in June of 1989. Not to put a downer on Zoe's happy and funny antics, but there was a lot of blood shed here by very young people.
Because Beijing is not known for its blue skies and fresh air, we were taken by surprise when we arrived to a beautiful sunny spring day! We were so anxious to get out and see the sights that, despite having woke up at 4 a.m. to catch our 8 a.m. flight, we spent a short time catching our breath after arriving at our hotel, and then it was in a taxi through the congested streets to the Forbidden City, which is more commonly known as the Palace Museum in Beijing, and the adjacent Tienanmen Square.
Unfortunately for us, there were many buildings under renovation, no doubt trying to get as many done before the Olympics this summer. It was nice to be able to see those that had already been completed, all the bright and vibrant colors and the intricate designs. They are really beautiful. There are about 1000 buildings in the Complex, with around 9,000 rooms! The Emporer obviously lived in splendor, along with the Empress and his many concubines and servants who catered to his every whim, to say the least. . . up until about 1912, that is. 
This location needs no description. It's a bit surreal to physically be present in a place you have seen on T.V. so many times.
I wonder how many people can say they cart-wheeled their way around Tiananmen Square?! You can't help but think about what took place here in this large open area in June of 1989. Not to put a downer on Zoe's happy and funny antics, but there was a lot of blood shed here by very young people.
1 comment:
Carol-Like the scarf in the first pic! I think I have one like it....:) Glad to hear you had a good break from the norm! Take care, Raegan
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