China Day 12 -- Beijing Sites

OK, looks like we are winding down on the China trip, but we have some great stuff coming up. We head to the Beijing Zoo to see, what else? The Giant Pandas!



These bears are as cute as can be, but they are bears! With teeth. And they are huge. Seeing them in person, you are glad that you are not in the pen with them. I know that sounds dumb, but seeing them on TV, I always say, "Ahh, how cute...wish I could pet them..."



Seeing them live, you say, "Ahh, how cute, glad they are behind the fence!"



These bears are wonderful. They seem very docile and seeing them in Beijing was a real treat. I had to knock down small children and old ladies to get these shots, but I think that it was worth it. Hey, c'mon, it's not like they can fight back, right?



I was snapping away, but actually gave up my spot so some kid could take a peek. He gave me a look like, "Hey Ansel, give it a rest and move your fat a$$ out of the way."



We saw a lot in China and were in many towns and cities. Throughout, I commented that in 10/20/30 years, China would be the dominant power in the world. Here's why. Socialist government, capitalist economy. You'll see; call me in 20 years.



After the zoo, we head for the Summer Palace and Kunming Lake. The grounds are a 300 hectare park. (Remember what a hectare is? Really big or 2.471 acres.) We take a ride on the lake and end up at the "marble Boat."



The Dowager Empress Cixi, in the 1800's supposedly squandered the naval funds and commissioned the boat to be built in semi-Western style with two Mississippi type of wheel paddles, to signify that the water can propel the boat instead of toppling it, thus indicating the stability of the Qing Dynasty. She was wrong, by the way, and most believe that the decadence of her rule provoked the demise of the Qing Dynasty.

Lots to say about the Summer Palace and, like explaining the history of Boston, one cannot cover it in a few sentences. I could go on for pages about the historical importance of the joint, (Hey, I'm a guy who can go on for hours on the blooming cycle and characteristics of the Sticky Monkey Flower; see previous blogs) but if you are that into Chinese history and the Dowager Empress, I suggest you click here.


On to Tian'anmen Square. We look out onto the square and see this! OK, sorry, I took a 1989 cheap shot.

Tian'anmen is a great square, one of the largest in the world, and has many purposes. In addition to its historical, political, and cultural importance, it is to me a fine photo opportunity.

I love this one: I can hear her mother say, " Hey, honey, how about we take little Zing to the Square and put on her watermelon suit with the purple Crocs? I'll get the Crocs decorations."








I tried to get a different perspective of Tian'anmen Square and this was the best I could do. Mellissa will probably will hate it, but I think it's cute. Wonder if you can get a photo of a nearly half million-yard square with a camera that is three inches. (She did.)

At the end of the Square is a giant picture of Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung). A brilliant politician and military strategist, Mao is pretty much revered in most places that we saw. Did you know that in May of 2007, there was a fire attack on this famous portrait? It's here. That's how Mao got the bags under his eyes.









I liked Tian'anmen Square. There was lots to see and apparently, an opportunity to be seen. These kids got a big kick out of a tall Caucasian with enormous feet. They loved waving and yelling the only English they know: "Hallo, hallo! Good morning!"





Hey, get this: Tired of walking around the square? Just lift your feet! Yeah, it's one of my favorites too.









I have lots of pics here since the square was so interesting to me. It's really just a big open place with statures, buildings, and signs. Oh yeah, we saw the usual helpful signs. I can't get enough of this...
"Relic protected, no scratch". Now, that's funny!








We were fortunate to have wandered into an umbrella convention. Everyone is hanging out (everyone being several thousand people) and having fun.









Gary was with me when I asked these people how many dorks have you seen today?









So, you are in the square and decide that you are going to walk through the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and walk through to the Forbidden City.









Every time you walk through an archway and through a courtyard, there is another one. And another, and another and you gotta be kidding me. It never ended. Historically, common people were forbidden to enter the city hence the name. Too bad that rule isn't enforced today. The Emperor would be rolling over in his tomb if he saw how many commoners walk through. He'd be mortified to know that there is a Starbucks there as well.
Like Tian'anmen Square, there is lots going on in the FC (Forbidden City). Like collecting cardboard. The amazing Chinese can convert a bike into anything. We saw bikes made into haulers, vans, trucks, and flatbeds.







Yellow, the imperial color is everywhere and like everywhere else, the Chinese love their roofs.







...and bridges.







The main activity seems to be walking through the endless courtyards and saying profound things like, "Gee, honey, this place is big!"







The other key activity is saying, "Hey, go stand over there and I'll get your picture.







OK, now for the big news. Do you recognize this woman? Here's how it went.

Everyone in our group: "OMIGOD, there's Meredith Vieira!!"

Me: "Who?"

Everyone: "You know! She's the moderator on the View!"

Me: "Who?"

Everyone: "OMIGOD! In the Forbidden City! Meredith Vieira! She hosted Who Wants To Be a Millionaire!"


Me: "Who?"
Everyone: "I got a picture of her! She is sooo nice! You must get her picture!"

Me: "OK"
So, I stroll across the courtyard and approach Ms. Vieira and ask her if I may take her pic. She is nice and asks me where I'm from. She was there with her film crew and was doing a shoot and story. So, there you have it. Famous people in the FC!
Here's someone NOT interested in the celebrity hubbub. He's got his outfit going on and a set of flags. It doesn't get any better, unless one had ice cream.





Our gang stops for a group picture that gets placed in a book of the area which we all buy. We end up winning "The Best Looking Tour Group Award" presented by the Chinese government. Everyone got a paper fan.
Before lunch, I go into the bathroom to wash my hands. Common sinks for men and women are, well, common in China, but check this out. Yep, every time someone leans over to wash their hands, their buddy snaps a picture. It's great, but what I call "8th-grade funny."





Time to leave the big squares and head back. Cute, huh? Tomorrow is the Great Wall, a real highlight of the trip.