Day 3

Hi everyone,
Okay, I have had my 8 hours of sleep now so it my turn to write about my experiences. Today, we had the incredible opportunity to experience the very modern, fast paced Beijing coupled with its rich history. Our morning started with our tour guide and our driver picking us up at the hotel. Her name is Guan or Linda and she is a fantastic tour guide. She is the “typical” young person that I have been reading about in the US who is from NW China. She went to college here in Beijing and has stayed here after completing her degree. Linda only returns home once a year during The Chinese New Year or Spring Festival as it takes over 40 hours by train to return home to see her family. She is full of ambition and represents the generation of Chinese who have left their roots to come to the big city for better opportunities. Guan was very well versed regarding the history of The Forbidden City and Summer Palace.
Before I speak about our site seeing excursions today I would like to comment on my observations of Beijing. The traffic is absolutely crazy since the economy has done so well cars are very popular. Although, there are designated bike lanes and many Chinese ride their bikes as a mode of transportation as well. Regarding the traffic – cars have the right of way and people drive like maniacs while yet not wearing seat belts. There were a couple of times we winced as our well experienced driver swerved in and out of places that I would not even attempt to try to park in the states.
There are some hard core efforts to prepare for the Olympics. New buildings, renovations, the effort to improve pollution, etc. These efforts are obvious as it was very visible to us as we drove around the city the great amount of labor and money that has been put into it for the Olympics.
Now on to the site seeing. Today was an incredible experience. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to experience these adventures. The rich history which is a part of Maddy’s heritage has touched my heart.
First, we went to the NW part of Beijing and visited Summer Palace. This is where the Emperor and the rest of his servants stayed for short periods usually during the summer for some R & R. The thing that struck me most was the tranquility. There is a huge lake with a man made mountain that is just breath taking. It is hard to describe the beauty of this place. I was overcome with a sense of peace and relaxation. There are several buildings that I tried to capture on film but I am sure it does not do it justice.
My favorite part of this place was the walkway that one of the emperor’s had built for his mother so that she could enjoy the view of the lake when it was raining outside. How’s that for a thoughtful son? In the interior on the ceilings, there are hand painted scenes that represent different places in China. The paintings were so beautiful and no two were the same. I imagined how peaceful and relaxing this place was for the Imperial family while walking through it. The Chinese find animals and certain numbers to have special significance. The theme here at this place was tranquility coupled with using the symbolism of the turtle and the bat.

Next on our whirlwind journey today we went to a world renowned silk factory. We were lucky enough to receive a private tour of how silk is made. It is amazing how durable and strong it is so that is why it is the obvious choice for natives to use during the 4 distinct seasons.
Lunch was excellent. We ate at a little Chinese bistro and enjoyed a very flavorful but again not greasy feast. The pictures of the strange sinks in which Jim has his hand on someone’s butt cheek is from this establishment. Funny, yet cheeky (no pun intended)
Our last outside outing for the day was The Forbidden City. This is where the Emperor and his family spent most of his time. I look back fondly of my initial impression of the vast courtyard with the words grand, stately and vast. There are no trees in the main courtyard. This was used as a tactic so enemies could not hind behind them. Also, I took a picture of the original cobblestone that lines the area. The cobblestones are stacked very deeply into the earth so enemies could not dig tunnels and pop up into the courtyard to hurt the Emperor. The City itself is shaped like a rectangle and the first half was only for the Emperor and other men to conduct official business, etc. The buildings were ornately decorated with fine craftsmanship of gold and paint. The Chinese have been working hard on renovating all of these structures before the Olympics and they have done an excellent job.
The second half of the building was the Emperor’s private quarters for some R & R. His many concubines were lived in the East and West part of the building. We were able to see where the Empress and Emperor slept when they were first married. They were only allowed to stay together for 3 days. Thereafter, they would have to obtain permission from the Emperor’s mother. She really is the one who ran the show.
Also, I would like to make a comment about the concubines. I did not know much about the life of a concubine but learned a lot today and found it very interesting. First of all, the empress would choose the concubines. I took a picture that shows a long wall on the outside of the palace. They would line up there and the empress would shoo away the attractive woman because she did not want them competing with her. Once a woman became a concubine, it was a rather isolated life. Generally speaking they were not allowed to return home to see family ever again and were confined to life inside the palace.
The Imperil Garden was beautiful. There were many similar plants and landscaping similar to The Chinese Garden in Portland. Absolutely peaceful. A wonderful place for meditating. Okay, Jim first thing when we get home we are turning the backyard into an Imperial Garden for Empress Crystal and Princess Madeline. One of the Emperors’s loved to go out there to feed his deer.
Overall, The Forbidden Palace was breathtaking. The grandeur combined with the very distinct architecture was very interesting.
The movie The Last Emperor was filmed there so when we return we will have to watch it again.
Our last activity of the day was the Chinese Acrobatic Show. It was fantastic. We are lucky because they have just perfected a new show that will be playing during the Olympics. These men and women are incredible artists and athletes. Obviously they have spent years in training to perform these incredible “moves” or “stances” with their bodies. The costumes were beautiful as well. Regretfully, no pics from the show were taken as it was not allowed.
Today was by all means just an incredible informative, visual experience that touched my heart.
The weather has been absolutely perfect for sightseeing. Today it was maybe in the 60’s and overcast with slight sprinkles and a little windy at times. No big deal for us native to the Northwest.
Tomorrow, it off to The Great Wall, etc.
Happy Mother’s Day to all a little early. Only 2 more days to Madeline!
Crystal