June 13, 2007

Tianamen Square 13, originally uploaded by eiratansey.

Our first full day in 中国. After successfully clearing customs, we met up with our tour guides for Beijing - a sweet girl named Anna, and our driver. We ate dinner at a restaurant where we witnessed a 14-year old girl who appeared to be falling over drunk (she and her classmates had a large table). Highlights of our first meal included a lamb dish that was very spicy. Yum.

I am sharing a room with Kellie, and we're finding the room to be better than our expectations. Pretty decent bathroom and very comfortable beds.

Last night, Adam, Caroline, Kellie and I took a very long walk to a big mall - Beijing Oriental Plaza...? I think that was the name. Having aching legs, we elected to take a taxi back. Unfortunately for us, the driver decided to take the scenic route. We've since learned our lessons, next time instead of saying "Where are we?", we will say "我们在哪儿?" Jade reckons the more we speak Chinese, the less likely we will get ripped off. In theory, at least...

The biggest initial impression I have of Beijing is how dirty the air is. As we were walking around last night, it was beginning to become really irritating, A bit jarring, as I have never had breathing problems.

Our highlights so far today have been touring the Forbidden City, visiting the Temple of Heaven, and taking a quick tour of a silk showroom with some demonstrations. The Forbidden City is so huge! Actually we started off by visiting Tiananmen Square - I must say, although Mao was a pretty detestable person, is it very awe-striking to see the giant picture of him at the gate where the PRC was declared.