Beijing

Trip Start Sep 04, 2006
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Trip End Aug 20, 2007


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Flag of China  ,
Saturday, September 23, 2006

1 year on from our last visit to Beijing, the preparations for the 2008 Olympics continue in full flow; the Forbidden City newly painted, museums under renovation, more and more new hotels and all spotlessly clean and well kept. All the children are learning english - a confident 8 year old came to help Chas with the menu and even the toddlers are shouting 'Hello'.

We stayed in a 'Hutong' area which gave us a better impression of local Beijing life rather than the tourist sights we'd seen previously. The Hutongs are an extensive maze of alley ways and 1-room houses - mostly without any toilet or running water. Many locals are not happy that these areas are being knocked down and replaced by high rise buildings.

We spent most of our time soaking up the vibrancy of the city, but adopted a sombre mood visiting Chairman Mao's mausoleum, our second preserved leader in 4 weeks! Quite remarkable to see the awe he still inspires in the masses mourning and laying flowers at his tomb every day.

We continue to indulge in the culinary delights and met Katy and Ted for a Peking Duck dinner - bit of a shame that no-one would try the scorpions or silk worms for dessert on Wanfujing Snack Street.
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