Today we felt we've turned a corner in that we were much more comfortable interacting with people. We used our limited and often inaccurate pronunciation, but we get a lot of appreciative smiles. We also saw a lot more young children -- one little guy (about 2) said a clear "hello" in a high-pitched little voice as we walked by.
Beihai Gongyuan and Jingshan Gongyuan parks are enormous and border the imposing Forbidden City walls, which are 32 feet high. We began with a stroll through Beihai, Beijing's largest park, originally built for Kublai Khan. We visited the Tibetan Dagoba there, built to honor the Dalai Lama's visit in the 1600's. The park is also a maze of smaller temples honoring Buddha. Lot's of Buddha! The park is also bordered by an elongated lake.
There are hundreds of older Chinese folk here on weekdays, partaking in all kinds of small and large group entertainment, including dancers and musicians (accordian and harmonicas... yes!). These folks are not here for tourists, as there are barely any, but they are there to enjoy their arts and share them with others. We spent a good deal of time soaking it all in.
Jingshan, the Park of Contemplation, was the location where the last Ming emperor hung himself in the 1600's as his dynasty collapsed. The park is on a wooded hill, with a temple at the top that affords some amazing views of the Forbidden City. You know, the Chinese are all about steps -- steep ones... long ones... uneven ones... and plentiful. Exhausting, but extremely rewarding.
Around the hill are paths that include hundreds of bansai in large pots, and again, lots of people dancing or practicing Tai Chi.
Today we also discovered a shop of chinese loose teas, and of course, bought some. We also scored a leather Polo carry-on luggage piece near the hotel for a cool $30, something in which we can carry all our goodies.
And now, only three more days until we meet Ava! We can hardly believe it.
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Scott and Anne journeyed to China in September, 2006 to adopt their daughter, Ava. Relive their experiences through their 
4 comments:
Dan:
Wow! It all sounds so illuminating. I can't wait to see you guys again and talk about all of your adventures. It all looks so beautiful, and the weather looks great. I'm really gonna miss checking this blog every morning. So cool that as we're sleeping you're having these wonderful days. 3 days! Woo-hoo! I love you guys. Dan
Greetings to you from cheeshead country,
What a wonderful method of communicating your adventures. We have been sharing your adventures with Randy and Al. They are thrilled. It is amazing how the chinese keep exercising into their older years rather than going to all you can eat restaurants. Mary and I are so happy that you are able to travel around Beijing to see so many sights. Just a few more days until you have Ava in your arms and we can't wait. All our love. G&G Loew
Holy Spotted Cow, your trip came up fast! (But probably not fast enough for you.) Love the updates. Have a terrific time!
Mike & Julie B.
P.S. You might want to stay there -- the Packers are awful!
It's great to get these updates on your adventures each day...so wonderful to see you experiencing so many new and different things...and amazing to imagine you with Ava in your arms in just three days! Can you believe it?
Thanks so much for taking the time to send/post the pictures/updates :-)
Thinking of you two (& little Ava) tons!
:-) Donna.
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