Forbidden City, Tian’an Men Sqaure and the Zoo

Thursday, July 26, 2007

This morning did not start off well. We had ordered room service for breakfast the night before and I wrote on the card room #510 instead of 501. When we finally straightened it out the food we received was awful. Michael could only eat some of his eggs, none of the sausage, and spit out the croissant. I was able to eat my croissant but my Rice Krispies were stale and they gave me evaporated milk. I also got a yogurt drink which tasted good but because it was warm I was afraid to drink it.

As we started the day with our guide, Jonathan I asked if he could take us somewhere to buy a camera. He took us to a mini mall where all I was able to buy was a reusable cheap 35mm camera. Afterwards Jonathan took us to Tiananmen Square. It was nice but so hot and sticky. We received a lot of stares as the 3 of us walked around. We think it’s because people thought we had money and had hired a private guide.

We then went to the Forbidden City. The place was huge. Michael saw some jade pieces but didn’t feel like he had enough time to really look and make a decision. While we were there I took a rock from the street to save for Tessa.

After the Forbidden City we went to lunch. I was unable to eat the food other than white rice. Michael though enjoyed the buffet. We then went to the zoo to see the pandas. They were all sleeping. I wish we would have been able to see the rest of the zoo.

We then went to a pearl factory. As we arrived we were given a lesson in how pearls were made. I was given 2 pearls form inside the oyster Michael chose which I will keep to make a ring for Tessa. While we were there we found a ring for me and a pearl necklace for grandma
Afterwards we were brought back to the hotel and left on our own for supper. We decided to go back to the mall from the morning because they had a Kentucky Fried Chicken there. What an ordeal that was. No one spoke English so we had to point at pictures to order. It took quite some time for them to understand “No ice.”

Walking back to the hotel we noticed that the cars do not seem to follow traffic rules and cyclists ride without helmets. Also when crossing the street pedestrians ignore traffic lights and just start crossing. They will stand in the middle of the street waiting for a break in traffic to continue crossing.

When we returned to the hotel Becky and Dean had arrived. We only spoke briefly to them as they were tired. They both seemed very nice. It should be fun tomorrow having another couple to go out with.