A Big Day.....

6 o’clock rise and breakfast then ready for our big day to the Wall! The tour guide arrived and we were taken on a mini bus with only 2 others a Dutch doctor and a teacher from the US. We visited the Ming Tombs in the foothills of the Dragon and Tiger Mountains and learnt about the Ming Emperors who were buried there and how the Chinese government are being careful in how and when they open up the tombs.  It took us about an hour by bus to get there; it took the emperors 10 days to get there by horse and back. They used to go there to offer sacrifices to their ancestors, concubines who did not bear children were sacrificed to the ancestors each year.

Off again in the bus to a jade factory to see artisans in action as well as the big sell. At least here we knew what was real A grade and which was not. Lunch was provided then off to the Wall.  Hundreds of buses and thousands of people were planning to do the same as us! We arrived and were in awe of the enormity of the Wall. It was so steep but so inspiring, We made our way up to our starting point and walked and walked. The views were brilliant and we thought about the million people who built this wall throughout various dynasties, especially all of those who died doing it. It was very hard work at the section we were at. Many gave up at the first Tower but not us! The Doctor and the 3 of us  kept going, the inclines were very steep and Sarah and Andrew ventured off a bit further on while the doctor and I admired the strength and endurance of the Chinese!

Later that day we heard that it was 40o+ in Beijing the hottest day in 58 years!!! What a day to walk the Wall. It was worth it, the breeze up there was fine and as we made our made way back we stopped off at a Chinese Medicine Facility to have a traditional Foot Massage.Bliss!! They also made a quick diagnosis of each of us by taking pulses and looking at tongues. We did not buy the medicine they prescribed.  Back to Beijing into the lobby. Then showers and off to dinner with Adrian.Chinese of course!!  

Later we went to the Silk Markets which sold everything except real brands, a real experience at bargaining as well as hailing a taxi. After much dispute and being totally ripped off we found a driver who was a little bit reasonable. So Beijing had so much going for it except the taxi drivers.

Another beautiful, hot sunny and clear day in Beijing..

Slow paced morning, beautiful hot day again around 38o so we taxied to Tienanmen Square. Very hot with many thousands of people milling around so we walked  and visited some significant buildings which luckily were only open during the holiday season, ate icy poles and ventured across the square thinking about the very long history this square has both good and bad. Missed out on seeing Mao by 10 min but so be it!

 Down the subway to cross the road and paid 2yuan each to walk through a very pretty garden beside the Forbidden City.It was lovely to be walking on very green grass and away from the masses. Then back to the hotel for a leisurely rest and drink. We decided to eat out again and found some hot and spicy food then we walked and bought at the night markets where we saw on skewers- scorpions, crickets (still wriggling), large black spiders, seahorses and many other creatures which we could not bring ourselves to eat. Took photos though! Found a very interesting book store then went back to the lobby in time for the World Cup! 

Off to Beijing to land at the Golden Dragon Airport (biggest airport in the world)...

The Golden Dragon Airport here we come! Flight delayed due to bad weather. So we waited.  Sarah’s flight had been cancelled and she was having trouble getting a flight to Beijing as well.  So we waited and then finally we took off, some turbulence, fog, smog and rain in Beijing.  Arrived at the Novetal Peace Beijing, and waited downstairs in the lobby for Sarah.  A great way to relax, a few drinks, nibbles and watch the world go past. Noticed many American couples with Chinese babies or toddlers and that the World Cup is big all over China. Another big screen here!

It was great to see Sarah pull up in a taxi, had dinner then walked the local precincts. Beijing will be good!!

There would be no better way to start Beijing touring than at the Forbidden City, Nearly 5000 buildings and just under 9000 rooms it was Wow, Wow, Wow! We adjusted to the clear heat, beautiful blue skies and tens of thousands of people!!  We spent hours walking, reading, looking and trying to take photos. We all agreed that the emperors and their entourage lived very privileged lives and it was no wonder that the masses revolted! Luckily the Japanese did not damage the exterior of the buildings when they invaded; they just took the special loot they could walk with!!  Much of the palace has been renovated but it will take years to restore the entire place. But the enormity of it all was unbelievable. We then ventured back to the hotel and had a beer or two as it was so hot!! Rested, and then off to Chinese dinner and a walk around. Sarah went to catch up with Adrian a HK friend to watch the soccer (after much delay in trying to get a taxi).  Arrived back at 1.30 all well!!

Xian, the former capital of China

Xian is a very historic city, we were quite excited about staying at the Mecure within the old city walls. It was quite a trip from the airport but the city was fascinating. We went to check in but they upgraded us to the Sofital next door. Well what can I say, luxury plus. We adapted to our new lifestyle very quickly. The suite had an emperor size bed, bigger than 2 double beds combined. We were presented with fresh fruit and meringues on arrival.  We went downtown to explore the ancient Bell Tower and Drum Towers. The city was vibrant, affluent and friendly.

Next day off to the Terracotta Warriors in a small mini bus with couples from Canada, USA, Germany and UK. A really good group, we had fun. We finally saw the Warriors after a morning of seeing how they are made now in a factory, shopping, lunch, video and the oral history of the area. But it was worth it all, they really are a great wonder of the world. So many thousands have not been dug up as the technology has not been developed which will prevent them from losing the incredible colours they are covered in. We saw Mr Yung who was the farmer who discovered them about 20 yrs ago.

We had a real WOW moment here.  Back to Xian and into the city to hear the drum performance, very impressive as was the Muslim quarters where hundreds of food stalls, and other stalls were colourful, noisy and vibrant. Then the rain came, every taxi in Xian was not to be found so we walked and walked until we were lost. Retraced our steps, had advice from a friendly Xian resident and we were still lost. Rain ceased then more taxis were available so we arrived back at the Sofital for a delicious cocktail or two which was a fitting  end a fantastic day.

Xining

At Xining, we caught a taxi to the hotel and luckily we were able to check in early, had fresh fruit and yoghurt for breakfast and really enjoyed a hot shower. Rested up and decided to go the Xining Museum as we only had the day there. Taxied into town, a little disappointed as the museum had been turned into an open market stall area. So we walked and realised for three days we had not seen another westerner. We gradually made our way back past mosques, and plastic coconut trees and we were glad we bought along our jackets as it was the coolest place we had been to, about 15o. Our stay was brief and uneventful so we were early to the airport next morning.

On the Train to Xining...

Up early and picked up at 6.45 to head for the station. All went well until I couldn’t find my phone, Mr Driver went back to the hotel, a little panicky but we decided to go through security. We needed our passports and yes there was the phone, not in its usual place. Big breath, then onto the train. We really enjoyed Lhasa it was such a highlight to be there. We met our travelling companions for the next 24hrs, a Malaysian couple who spoke English. He was a bit precious but otherwise a very friendly, respectful couple. They were able to write our hotel in Chinese so we could communicate with a driver.
Seeing the magnificent mountains, snow capped and with glaciers was awesome. Seeing Tibetan deer and antelopes running and grazing in their natural habitat was very special. The scenery kept us captivated for hours. We slept well this time arriving at Xining around 7am.

Too excited to sleep..

Interesting choices at breakfast, a bit of Tibetan, Chinese and Western, then off to the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama’s. Dharci was very informative, friendly and lively. The old buildings and temples were our first taste to Tibetan Buddhist culture. The stories of the different Dalai Lama’s were fascinating and intriguing. The gardens were very reclusive in the hot Tibetan summer with many willows, bamboos and other Chinese plants having been planted as gifts brought to Tibet by the Princess Wuling of Chinese and subsequent courtiers. The 5th Dalai Lama’s study was a palace in itself. We saw many different sculptures of Buddha and Lama’s.
Next we were off to the Potala Palace. 1 hr to see everything, 15 minutes only in the red temple. We only just made it as there are restrictions on the number of visitors each day. WOW it is enormous and set in the side of a mountain. It has fairly recently been restored and the colours were brilliant. We slowly ascended the steps after going through security checks and we had many stops along the way, of course admiring the views while trying very hard to breathe normally. No one is allowed to take oxygen or water into the grounds. When we reached the red temple it was magnificent but unfortunately no one is allowed to take photos inside. We saw sleeping quarters, bathrooms, studies, temples, waiting rooms, Tibetan books, and elaborate sculptures of the Dalai Lamas 1to 13, no 8 was a romantic so he is not revered and no 14 was not talked about. The different Buddhas and their meanings as well as the old kings of Tibet and their stories had our heads spinning but it was worth it.

The walk down gave us a wonderful view across Lhasa, a very young and modern city which appeared very prosperous. Buddhists were circling the temple in traditional clothes with their prayer wheels in their hands, chanting or singing. It was quite a sight.

Lunch at a Western style steakhouse so roasted yak on rocks I had, very tender in a herbaceous sauce. It was delicious. The decor was Tibetan and then off to the Sera Monastery.

Sera Monastery is also set on a mountain and it houses about 2 thousand Buddhist monks. The debating of the monks was a highlight as well as seeing their kitchen and of course their temples. Colourful and ancient, hard to belief it is so old yet in such strong structural position. Rest for an hour then off to dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant with Dharci. We tried Barley wine, Tibetan beer (quite nice, very light) . Dharci’s mother made butter tea a very traditional drink for us to try. We sample many different Tibetan cooking and presentations, a very interesting dinner.