Beijing

The day after we visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace, we also had a lovely lunch at the top of a revolving restaurant. The next day we set out to once again see the sights. Our first stop were the Ming Tombs, where Emperors from the Ming, Qing, and many other dynastys were buried. It was another day of heat and humidity, but that did not stop us.

Here are Kate and Joe with the elephant who never forgets. It was another hot day, and a long walk to the Ming Tombs, so it didn't take very much coaxing on my part to get them to sit down for a minute.

Sue and Fran atop the Ming Tombs enjoying the lovely breeze.

Here is Fran on the first landing of the Great Wall of China. Sue and her friends, and other brave souls walked way way up, but I preferred to people watch from here.

Sue made the climb all the way up the wall. I am waiting way down as far as your eye can see. So much for working out every day! You can see by Sue's face how hot she is.

Here are the sisters Joanna and Julie who went up the wall with Sue. Is that a railing I see along the wall?

There were a group of men dressed this way and carrying this flag and banner. He gave me a salute and posed for a photograph.

Even though it had been a long day Sue, Julie and Joanna and I were ready for one more adventure. We strode through Silk Alley. Lots of little shops, like a flea market with a lot of bargaining. Here are some beautiful kimonas.

This evening we are going to be treated to the long awaited Peking Duck dinner so Sue and I dressed for dinner. My jacket had been purchased just a few hours before at The Frienship store.

And here it is! The chefs prepare to cut the Peking cut into serving pieces right at our table. It was a very fancy restaurant in Beijing especially known for their Peking Duck, and of course packed with tourists. Most tourists we found were part of a tour group.

The next morning we were taken by bus to the Hutong, an old section of Beijing made of old homes clustered together in courtyards. The easiest way to get around the narrow streets is by pedicab. That is a bicycle with a shade peddled by a strong young man.

Click here for More photos.

Click here first page.