We got up today and packed to move to the Radisson Blu Hotel to meet the rest of our tour group. During our final sweep of the closets, we found our gas masks. Not sure if these are for possible nuclear events or everyday pollution. But how thoughtful of them to provide them for us!
We had an unnerving taxi ride to our new hotel and arrived in time to enjoy the buffet breakfast. We met up with our guide and most of our group of 13 travelers at 11:00 to set off on the day's itinerary.
I was in China with Elderhostel 11 years ago and had previously seen all of the locations we visited today. It was interesting to note the changes since then.
We headed first to the iconic Drum Tower and Bell Tower near the Forbidden City. Originally built in 1272 and rebuilt twice after fires, they were initially built for musical performances and later used for telling time.
Drum Tower
Although car ownership has skyrocketed in Beijing to the point that driving days are restricted during the workweek based upon license plate numbers (everyone can drive 4 of the 5 days), bicycles are the easiest ways to get around the hutongs, or old residential areas around the Forbidden City. There are also wide bicycle and scooter lanes on the major roads, as well as several bike sharing companies which are easy to use with smart phone apps.
We were loaded into pedicab rickshaws and had a tour of a hutong neighborhood before having a delicious lunch in a hutong home restaurant
Next stop was a tea shop in the bell tower, the highlight of which was the star rated toilet. We are adjusting to the challenges of Asian bathrooms. I know that it was a little easier 11 years ago!
Our last stop was at the Summer Palace, which at one time was considered the outskirts of Beijing but now is well within the ever expanding city. We walked through the Long Corridor, saw halls and temples, and the marble boat. Our group also served as objects of curiosity for crowds of Chinese visiting the Summer Palace during the annual Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Staring is not considered impolite here. Nor, apparently, is shouldering your way through the crowd to take photos of us either directly or in their selfies.
Though not native to China, lions are symbol of imperial power and frequently appear in pairs in the palaces. Males have one paw on a ball, while females have a squirming cub pinned under a paw. Since the statues otherwise look the same, I'm guessing they were unaware females don't have manes.
Then back to our hotel for a short rest before walking to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Our guide ordered 12 dishes for our party of 10 and we did our best. Then back to the hotel to prepare for our 4 AM wakeup call and our flight to Tibet.
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Fun fact: Many Beijing women are conscientious about protecting themselves from the sun. They wear hats and long sleeves, regardless of the temperature. My favorite type of cover-up is a heavy quilted affair to be worn on a scooter, covering hands, arms and legs. No helmets necessary, but gotta maintain that lovely complexion! This one was at the Great Wall, where, you may recall, it was 97 degrees.
You will have to explain that toilet....
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