March 18, 2007 -- Beijing is a fascinating story. Its geography is flat. Its colors are muted. Its temperature is cold. Its history is rich. And maybe history is what is most apparent in this city. If history is owned by the winner, then this morning's journey is Olympic gold. As we were walking to Tian'an Men Square, I asked our guide Miranda about Chairman Mao. I told her that I was confused because my impression had been that Mao's reign was violent and harsh to the Chinese people. Miranda with her sweet smile said that many people in the West have misunderstood Mao and have a wrong idea about him. She said he made a few mistakes but overall he was very good for China. Hmmm....I don't know enough Chinese history to make an informed statement about her opinion but it did make me wonder about the power that winners have in writing history. Maybe all things bear out with history...and maybe not....Tian'an Men means "Gate of Heavenly Peace." We entered the Forbidden City through this gate. It took about 2.5 hours to walk from one end of the Forbidden City to the other. You can't see much inside the buildings in the city with the exception of a few of the Halls. We did see the Emporer's quarters where we learned about how the Emporer's mother literally ruled from "behind a curtain."
Lunch was great in a very local spot. We shared a meal with another couple and 4 people ate for about 11US, that included 2 beers, 2 cokes, soup for everyone, dim sums, pancakes and spring rolls. Yummy and great price. In the afternoon, part of the group toured a "hutong," which literally means "alleyway" but is referring to neighborhoods. These are neighborhoods that were built about 600 years ago and people still reside in today. We also climbed 69 steep steps to see the Drum Tower. We capped off the day with a live show at the Chinese Acrobats theater. And to squeeze the most in the day, Troy and I trekked to the Silk Market for some more bargaining.
It's late and we are both tired. Troy has "class" tomorrow so he will be gone during the day. I will probably have more to say about Beijing tomorrow...but for tonight, goodnight....sleep in heavenly peace.
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