What a day it has been! Here's a brief recap:
-Got up and went walking to find Tiananmen Square, which was filled with thousands of people enjoying their New Years vacation. There was a long line to pay respects to Mao's body. Josh, Drew and Andy went through and the rest of us are going back tomorrow to see one of the most influential figure in China's history.
-Ate our first meal in China at a restaurant we don't know the name of because it was only written in Chinese. Thanks to picture menus and sign language, we ended up with good selections of dumplings, noodle dishes, some kind of meat that I'm guessing was duck, and a calamari dish to share. We're mastering the chopsticks!
-Found the National Center for the Performing Arts. What a beautiful building. A huge dome surrounded by a pool of water, you actually have to go underneath the water to get in. We can't wait to see some shows there!
-Went on a hunt to find a Construction Bank of China. There are only 2 in Beijing and 1 was relatively close to us. I'd say it was a good hours walk, but we found all sorts of interesting things along the way.
-Finally found the bank!! YES!! We have money now and feel much more secure.
-Decided to explore Chinese bakeries. We went into three and nibbled a wide range. Best: Josh's chewy biscuit looking thing. Worst: Andy's bean and rice gelatinous thing. :)
-On our way back to the hostel, saw about 15 people setting up tripods looking toward the Forbidden City. We found out there was going to be a fireworks show and decided to wait for it. After a while, we gave up and started walking back, only to see fireworks starting from several different directions.
-Happened to be walking past a huge temple on a hill and decided to check if it was open. It was! So we climbed to the top to discover we had the highest view in the middle of the city and had 360 degrees of fireworks. Thousands and thousands of fireworks!! We stayed for over an hour in the freezing cold because it was glorious and beautiful and breathtaking. We couldn't stop smiling. Continuous fireworks in all directions. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen. This is why we came to China for New Years!
-Ended our night with a visit to the street market for glazed strawberries on sticks. Also, Josh, Drew and I ate fried scorpions. Not bad!
Off to Shanghai early tomorrow.
Love, Melissa
-Got up and went walking to find Tiananmen Square, which was filled with thousands of people enjoying their New Years vacation. There was a long line to pay respects to Mao's body. Josh, Drew and Andy went through and the rest of us are going back tomorrow to see one of the most influential figure in China's history.
-Ate our first meal in China at a restaurant we don't know the name of because it was only written in Chinese. Thanks to picture menus and sign language, we ended up with good selections of dumplings, noodle dishes, some kind of meat that I'm guessing was duck, and a calamari dish to share. We're mastering the chopsticks!
-Found the National Center for the Performing Arts. What a beautiful building. A huge dome surrounded by a pool of water, you actually have to go underneath the water to get in. We can't wait to see some shows there!
-Went on a hunt to find a Construction Bank of China. There are only 2 in Beijing and 1 was relatively close to us. I'd say it was a good hours walk, but we found all sorts of interesting things along the way.
-Finally found the bank!! YES!! We have money now and feel much more secure.
-Decided to explore Chinese bakeries. We went into three and nibbled a wide range. Best: Josh's chewy biscuit looking thing. Worst: Andy's bean and rice gelatinous thing. :)
-On our way back to the hostel, saw about 15 people setting up tripods looking toward the Forbidden City. We found out there was going to be a fireworks show and decided to wait for it. After a while, we gave up and started walking back, only to see fireworks starting from several different directions.
-Happened to be walking past a huge temple on a hill and decided to check if it was open. It was! So we climbed to the top to discover we had the highest view in the middle of the city and had 360 degrees of fireworks. Thousands and thousands of fireworks!! We stayed for over an hour in the freezing cold because it was glorious and beautiful and breathtaking. We couldn't stop smiling. Continuous fireworks in all directions. One of the most amazing things I've ever seen. This is why we came to China for New Years!
-Ended our night with a visit to the street market for glazed strawberries on sticks. Also, Josh, Drew and I ate fried scorpions. Not bad!
Off to Shanghai early tomorrow.
Love, Melissa
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