Brief notes from Beijing

This weekend has been a minor holiday:  3-day Dragon Festival.  Beijing is bursting at the seams with tourists from all over China.  Each tourist site we visited would have dozens and dozens of tour groups. Each group followed a lead with some small stuffed animal raised high on a stick so the 50+ followers could stay together.  Many of the groups utilized matching colored beanies.  With this many folks around, they have a system to keep everyone safe.  I giggled.

Sunday, we spent the day on a private tour. We visited the Drum Tower and were treated to a drum performance.  24 huge drums are stored in a high tower in the middle of the city.  These drums would keep time for past generations.  Kublai Khan built the first tower on this site in 1272.  

We visited the Hutong area of Beijing and rode in rickshaws.  The driver no longer runs rather rides a bike pulling the basket.  We rode down tiny alleys getting a flavor for this area.  These narrow streets give a flavor of how life might have been like before the renovation of the city.  

Next, we visited Prince Gong's palace. This palace was built from the hard work of the citizens.  A very corrupt official used the taxes for 20 years to pay for his opulent lifestyle.   The gardens were some of the most beautiful we've seen yet. Nit has nine courtyards with covered walkways.  

We finished our touring with a visit to a tea house.  A young Chinese girl sat in front of us and told  us the story behind the various teas.  We sampled each and found various flavors we enjoyed.  Bought our first souvenirs for the trip.  Tea, anyone?

In a few hours, we will be driving to Mutianya to see that portion of the Great Wall.   There are other options for visiting the wall closer to Beijing; however, this section is considered the most beautiful and a bit off the beaten path. 

More later!