Splendid China Fall 2013 - # 8

Our Beijing days came to a close with a special dinner of Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck) @ this renowned restaurant on Dazhalan, most famous & unique old downtown street

Rubbed the belly on this one!!!

 Actually, the cheeks… for my own sanity! (LOL!

“The Cat’s Table”

(photo tribute to Cathy&Denis - reading the novel authored by Michael Ondaatje)

Best group ever!!! Best smiles & “un-ending” stories of laughter

(L-R): Gary, Arden, Fay, Angela, Aurora, Cathy
**Denis (Cathy’s husband was Wine hunting!)

Splendid China Fall 2013 # 7

Passing by Tian’anmen Square @ dusk; Other buildings surrounding the Square

Splendid China Fall 2013 - # 6

After lunch @ the Summer Palace Grounds, a quick visit to the Olympic Site in Beijing

One World One Dream

In the afternoon, we took a rickshaw ride to visit the old Hutong. This place portrays a modern slum area in the heart of the City of Beijing.  The Hutong(s), built centuries ago, do not have inside wash facilities. Modern day facilities of public toilets and wash rooms can be seen in every corner and intersection of little streets. These facilities are shared amongst the people within the community.  The uniqueness of the area is well preserved amidst tall buildings in modern day Beijing.  Slumming here in small cottages is valued in the millions (if not billions in Chinese Yuan).  Beijing Hutongs - declared as a world heritage site by the UN.

 

A modern architecture in the midst of century old Hutongs

A barricaded Hutong cottage … against crime or for visual effects?

Splendid China Fall 2013 # 5

Our excursion continued on to see the famous Ming Tombs, where buried 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

Picture of the Ming Tombs

Statue of Emperor Yongle @ the Museum

Emperor Yongle

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A visit to the Summer Palace next day included the Imperial Garden built in the Qing Dynasty

Summer Palace

Man Made Lake Surrounding the Palace

Gardens within the Palace Grounds

Garden beside Palace Restaurant (recently opened to the Public)

Splendid China Fall 2013 # 4

The folowing day, we climbed a portion of the Great Wall @ the Badaling entrance.  The ancient wall was originally built as protection from the Huns and other Nomadic tribes.  Regarded as a magnificent military defense work, The Great Wall of China is awe inspiring. Although the climb was exhausting and my knees were acting up, I managed to climb 3 sentry points.  My senses tell me, I have finally arrived!  With the strong winds and a fear of heights, I decided on a slow decent, holding on to the railings like a pitiful old lady fearing a fall over the cliff on this sunny Fall day.

My friend, Angela deserves a medal of reaching heights! While our tour guide suggested a walk up the West side of the Badaling entrance & return; she saw and conquered the West plus decided to follow the sun on the East side, alongside hundreds of Chinese locals and back. Angela, busy trekking the East side of Badaling entrance forgot to take a picture of herself reaching the highest point.  I took a quick shot of The Great Wall behind her; proof positive she was there with all the Chinese locals rallying around her!

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COMMENTS:

November 28, 2013 at 10:46 PM

Hello, Aurora - sorry to push you to share your photos but I certainly am enjoying the script. It is informative and a "walk down memory lane" for me eons ago...Do keep us entertained, please. Kudos for surviving the trip-Ahmee

November 28, 2013 Email Exch .. 11:16 PM

If my comment did not come thru in the blog - here's saying kudos and a load of Thank Yous for the great photos and wonderful script, dear Aurora - Glad you enjoyed the trek despite "maka pabannog".  Keep it coming, yeah!!! Ahmee

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