Well I don't actually have many pictures on the computer right now for a post. Our guide is very good at telling us all about Chinese history it is really an educational trip. We learned all about the Ming and Qing dynasty 14 emperors that lived in the Forbidden City from the Ming Dynasty and 10 from the Qing. The Qing Dynasty had the longest living emperor, an interesting lady who was "the Power behind the Throne" and spent lots of the empire's money on things like fresh fruit brought in each day so she could simply smell it.
Learned today about the Alter of Heaven, otherwise known as the Temple of Heaven actually had sacrifices and rituals that seem like some Biblical influence. Also learned that there is a "Big Celebration" brewing in Tiananmen Square for the country's 70th birthday party. We couldn't walk around in the square like other visits. The prep was impressive. The PD was out in force and very much on edge. Did you know that there is an old dead guy in a crystal sarcophagas in one of those buildings? He only receives visitors in the morning and then needs to go back in the fridge. Don't mean to be disrespectful, but that is just a bit creepy.
The thing the girls will probably remember the most about the last 2 days is that it was HOT. I'm hoping the south isn't too much warmer. Shekinah was a trooper and kept up with all of us, but she is pretty tired by afternoon and all of us were more prickly than necessary.
Lunch with the guide continues to be a highlight of the day...well maybe breakfast...just can't beat the food we've been getting.
Oh and we did visit an orphanage yesterday, it held memories for me. I was glad we went but the things we learned were hard to hear.
One more day in this bustling city where we figured out the best place for breakfast and found the nearest Wumart (yes that is spelled correctly). Tomorrow we move on to another city ...by high-speed train. 140 mph our guide Kai informs us. Six hours should be a breeze---right?
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