DAY 4: FIRST DAY IN BEIJING, CHINA

July 6, 2017

Hi World,

Today was our first day in Beijing. We arrived late last night considering the time difference from Dubai to China is about four hours ahead, so you can imagine we were a little jet lagged. Anyway, we met our tour guide, Xuiu, or his American name Jack, at the airport on the way back to the Regent Hotel. The next morning we woke up early to attend a traditional breakfast of noodles, Chinese bread, dim sum, and several other options of our choosing. Next, we took a short bus ride to Qianmen or the English translation, Tian’anmen Square. This is a famous location for the student revolt of 1989, in which they protested for increased rights reduced by the government. Tiananmen Square was actually the location for many protests and rallies for injustices throughout the last century. This square lies over 100 acres, making it the largest public square and it is the political heart of China, a quintessential part of your Beijing experience. The Gate of Heavenly Peace is also located in Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong founded the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Following, we went through each gate before entering the Forbidden City. This city has been a residence to many emperors, the first being Yongle in 1420. This is the largest palace in the world leaving several spaces for the Emperors’ concubines or mistresses along with a room for his Empress. The Forbidden City prohibited commoners from entering until the last of the emperors faded and visitation proceeded. It is well kept and visited by many locals as well. Next, we went to a traditional Chinese restaurant called Da Wan Ju, where they served kidney, intestine, tongue…you name it, they served it. Well, us Americans could not handle the eccentrics the restaurant had to offer so we ordered the noodles, chicken, beef, pork, and rice. Probably one of the most authentic Asian meals I have had. Following, we drove to the Temple of Heaven of the 15th century, a structure that truly exemplified the religious architecture of China. Within the gates of the community we took Tai Chi lessons in the rain, which is a form of Martial Arts and common amongst the elderly in order to maintain their strength. This complex contains three structures in which the Emperor, or the “Son of Heaven,” prays. This is a wonderful location to experience the beauty of nature while watching locals play a game of chess or cards. Finally, we went to Xiushui Street or the Silk Market where they sell authentic silk, garments, and tourist souvenirs. This is a great experience to practice your bargaining and make a new friend as well! It was all fun and games until the vendor from a store chased Nelson down and caught him in the act of faking a phone call to escape his store lol. Another great experience was the amusement the locals got from seeing the faces of five Americans; the children especially were interested in getting many photos! So Cute. All in all, Beijing is another monumental location to explore. I will keep you posted for more on this eccentric city.

Be Brave Today
xoxo

Lyricallivi