Traveled to Beijing, the current capital of China. We experienced the madness of the crowded subways, which I have become accustomed to with my time in New York. It was quite a hoot to see my Mom's expression as we were squished into all corners of the car. Unfortunately, some pickpockets seized their chance to take advantage of foreigners. Melanie's phone was stolen, and money was snatched from my Dad's pants. Luckily they did not grab his credit cards or passport! At least we were able to have some relaxing Chinese massages at a fancy spa; and that night we went for a Western meal at Organic Fresh, a much welcomed change from our consistent Chinese cuisine.
Day 10- June 18th
Our first stop of the day was Tiananmen Square. Sean had explained to us that the Chinese government really brainwashes the citizens with their Internet bans and the history they chose to teach. I'm not so naive as to believe they are the only country to conveniently twist the truth, but to deny that a massively tragic event occurred is something entirely different! As I previously explained about my personal Internet search of the tragedy, I was fascinated to hear how the people of China feel about their oppressive government regulating their knowledge of their own history and straight up prohibiting discussion or remembrance of the event. So, having Charlene with us, Sean asked her what this square means to her and why she thinks so many foreigners come to see it. She responded that it is a very ancient and historically prominent part of their city. Built as the gate to the Forbidden City in 1417 during the Ming dynasty, it was used to announce in big celebration to the common people who had become Emperor. She also spoke of the importance of the Monument to the People's Heroes, the largest monument in China's history. It was erected at the center of the square in 1952, to represent the development of Chinese modern history; Chairman Mao's 'The People's Heroes are Immortal' can be found engraved on the monument. Charlene believed a large pull to the square was for the Memorial of Mao. When my brother calmly explained that we know this square for the massacre of unarmed citizens, protesting various government flaws: calling for freedom of press and speech, and demanding government accountability for the corrupted economy and control of industries to be relinquished to the workers. He told her the entire thing was broad casted by foreign media correspondents, reporting via telephone when the satellite transmissions of CNN and CBS were cut by the Chinese government. The rest of the world knew of the horrors transpiring as military tanks rolled in and assault rifles were used against the unarmed protesters, the death toll is still a mystery to this day. She had no idea what he was talking about....
We shuffled with the long line of people to peek inside the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao. I'm not convinced this is actually his body. I believe it's a wax figure and his face was orange and lit up like a radioactive light bulb! We remained quiet in respect for the hundreds who visit to pay respects and honor him with flowers, but the whole thing was creepy to me.
Next, we walked across the square towards the Forbidden City, completed in 1420 after 12 years of construction. As you approach Tiananmen Gate, you can't help but stare at, surprise surprise, a massive portrait of Mao. Interestingly, it has fallen victim to various vandalism incidents, including during the demonstrations of 1989 when three protesters attacked Mao's picture with paint-filled eggs. One of them, Yu Dongyue, a former Chinese journalist, was imprisoned for 17 years!!!
We stopped to admire the imperial Dragon Throne so named because in Chinese culture, the Emperor is the incarnation of a dragon.
Then, we ventured in to Kun Ning Gong, the Palace of Earthly Tranquility. Built in 1420, it was used as the Empress' bedchamber during the Ming Dynasty. It was later rebuilt in 1655 and used for wedding ceremonies and nuptial rooms for the Emperor and Empress.
I was obsessed with the doorways, the beautiful yellow and green colored beams atop the red buildings with different mythical beasts guarding the roofs.
The next hall was the Hall of Prolonging Happiness which was actually destroyed by a fire in 1845. It used to be the residence for the concubines. The three story, white marble and black iron building we were looking at was built in 1909, sometimes referred to as the Crystal Palace, but officially named the Water Hall.
There was quite a lot of rain that was coming down so we popped into one of the shops and did a quick photo shoot while we were waiting for the storm to pass. I think we look prim and proper!
For dinner that night we ate at a Hot Pot Restaurant, an Asian style melting pot. There was even a noodle show, where the man roped the noodle like a lasso around Melanie's head! I tried lotus roots and bamboo shoots! I love trying delicious new cuisine from different cultures! Day 11- June 19th
Today was our journey to the Great Wall of China, built during the Ming Dynasty in 1404. We played Settlers of Catan during the car ride there, which was good because we were stuck in traffic and then our driver got lost, making it about a five hour long drive! In the end, I believe the ultimate "Lord of Catan" was Emperor SMT (Shannon, Mary, Tim)!
When we finally arrived, we used the cable car to ride up to the wall, which provided glorious mountainous views and the land far below us. I was astounded by how vast the wall actually is! I peered as far as I could and was still able to see the structure, hundreds of miles away on the other mountains.
I would like to return to see where the wall abruptly ends at the coast, I think having the two contrasting sights in my memory would be wicked awesome! The Doherty family had a blast climbing structures, racing each other, and taking several photo shoots along the wall.
Dinner was in our hotel's restaurant for a traditional Beijing style dinner. Everyone (except Mom and me of course) wanted to try Peking duck, a delicacy CNN ranked in the top 5 meals of the world. Dad was so in love with the duck that he vowed he would attempt to recreate the meal when we return home! I enjoyed the papaya cakes and vegetable dim sum (dumplings), nommmm! :DDay 12- June 20th
Our second to last stop in Beijing was the 2008 Olympic Stadium. From a distance, we saw the IBM building built to look like a dragon, the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium (which can fit 100,000 people!), and the "Water Cube" Aquatics Center.
We then bopped over to a fake market, because we can't leave China without attempting to haggle prices in one of their thriving operations. I couldn't believe it; I had totally been expecting Sean to lead us to some sketchy, underground scene, where a haggard man thrusts stolen purses at us and yells vulgar Chinese thru his rotten teeth. But we actually went inside a legit mall! It was several floors with vendors for every possible want or need. And you barter for EVERYTHING! I got a nice ring for $5 and a Christmas ornament for $15, only with the help of Charlene and Sean because I am an absolute sucker and the pressure to get a good deal stresses me out! We all met back up in front of a froyo stand, who knew that was popular here too!?!
We are a family of ninjas! Ai-ya!
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