Today was spent touring some of the attractions around Beijing. We started at a Jade store. It was interesting, but everything was rather expensive--$50USD for a very small, B or C rated pendant. The detail in the carvings is stunning.
Our group is made up of 5 families from various parts of the US. Some of us are in our 40s with young children, others have grown children and are continuing to grow their family. The last few days have been a great bonding experience. We started to get to know each other through a Yahoo group that we set up once our travel group was determined. The initial discussions helped us feel like long-time friends when we finally came together in person.
This morning, we went to Tian An Men Square first. It very expansive space that is across from the entrance to the Forbidden City. Roughly 500,000 people can fit in the square. It is also the location of the Beijing 2008 Olympic clock and the Fuwa, which are the "friendlies" or mascots for the Olympics.
After walking through the sometimes very crowded Tian An Men Square, we entered the Forbidden City. This palace for the emperors is HUGE! You walk through gate after gate which each lead into a separate courtyard. The amount of detail is stunning. The Chinese people, at least in the past, did not spare anything with respect to ornate detail on their buildings. We were all snapping as many pictures as possible as we were herded through the palace. Throughout the Forbidden City, there are many small shops to buy souvenirs. One of the bookstores made our day--it had a Starbucks! Caffeine was definitely a help as almost all of us are waking up at various times during the night and up and about around 5am.
We ended the touring for the day by stopping at a pearl store. I got Sophie a little tiny freshwater (pink) pearl bracelet for $5 USD, Sarah a bracelet and earrings in pink for $39 USD and I picked out a white pearl bracelet which was $8 USD. The guide said China is the only place you will get freshwater pearls, as well as pink or purple. I loved this store!
Goodnight and I hope you all survived New Year's Eve!
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1 comment:
Hi Shelli,
Thanks for posting the group photo as I was able to see my parents since they've not been able to call or send pics. They are the "older" couple (tee hee) that you mentioned in your post and I am the daughter they traveled with to China in March. I am going to be following the rest of your journey. Congrats on your little girl. I CANNOT wait to pics of her in your arms!
Blessings, Dawn C
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