November 29, 2008
On the Road Again...
After a short stopover in rainy BC, it was not hard to leave our BC blues and make our way down to the sunny city of San Francisco. Led by our city savvy friend Hugh, we toured the many hills and busy streets of the refined yet culturally rich city. From Alcatraz to the Golden Gate, the Stinking Rose and famous Joe’s Crab Shack, our brains and bellies were in a state of euphoric bliss when we left to the next destination on our Bucket List.
Hanging on Fishermans Wharf
View of the Golden Gate Bridge
The city of Beijing was as hurried and cluttered as one could imagine, yet held affluence in culture and pride that neither Chris nor I would have predicted. With each similarly unending business day, the Chinese would dash through the busy streets determined to shortcut to their next destination. Every aspect of life in Beijing was fast-paced. From the Silk Market, where one sale seemed more like you were bartering in an underground auction, to a common noodle house where food was ingested as though it might disappear, there was little desire for locals slow down. Chris and I are still amused when we recall the hundreds of locals with their surgical masks riding half-hazard down the congested streets resembling a herd of lemmings. Needless to say, our relaxed demeanor and clear physical difference brought us a constant stream of attention.
Olympic Birds Nest
Although appearing as a busy and chaotic metropolis, many aspects of Beijing were awe-inspiring. Our visit to the Forbidden City humbled us with its enormity. With over 9,000 rooms, one was easily lost and overwhelmed. Enclosed by its grand moat and surrounding walls, the massive structures were detailed to perfection and painted with the most elaborate of colors. Similarly, the Summer Palace also captured our attention. With over 75% surrounded by water, it was no wonder that it served as such a tranquil setting for regal families over the hot summer months. Dozens of small shrines, gazebos, temples and serene buildings lay strewn throughout the hilly enclosure of the Palace. Its setting easily put even the most overwrought visitor into a state of relaxed euphoria.
Guarding the Forbidden City
Stoffe in the Forbidden City
Forbidden City Detailing
View from Summer Palace
Tiananmen Square
Further, no tour to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Although limited to how much we could explore because of lack of restoration, that which we could was nothing less than amazing. There, lain between mountainous peaks, was the structure that we had only read about in books. With each section of the wall at least 10ft high, it is no wonder that it is one of the Great Wonders of the World. Although all aspects resembled those from the history books, what my education failed to mention was the modern and INGENIOUS way to get down. I mean, what Great Wall wouldn’t be complete without a LUGE SLED to transport tourists back to reality. Hilarious!
The Great Wall
The LUGE!
So apart from the sights, the food was also certainly a highlight. With my Aunt Fiona (who currently lives in Beijing) as our guide, we sampled all the food that China had to offer. My favorite experience of course was when Fi’s chef, Chef Wong, came to visit and spoiled us with a traditional Chinese FEAST. It was the perfect sendoff to a perfect week and certainly energized us for the next leg of our journey.
mmm...pekking duck!
Thailand here we come!