We now have heat and a one-way train ticket...

• Deniseosu4's Profile
• About this blog
• Entry from Beijing

Trip Start Nov 13, 2008 Previous
Entry Trip End Dec 01, 2008 Next
Entry

  Beijing, China
Sunday, November 16, 2008

Our first night out in Beijing, we decided to stay local. Sally told us to go out on the "rear sea". There were a lot of bars and restaurants on this lake (or river) and it was very lively. Apparently, we have 'tourist' written all over us because every person tried to chase us down to go into their bar. We eventually decided to go to the one with the most lights and loudest music. They started playing a song we knew when we realized the table we were at was bottle service only so we were out. We made our way back to some NFL bar that was playing Celine Dion on repeat. But then, a band came on and it was awesome. I couldn't understand a single word - we were pretty sure it was American songs translated into Chinese, but I am really bad at "name that tune". They played a Bon Jovi song I think for us...if not, I will still think that. The only down fall was the bathroom - it was a hole in the ground and someone had the runs before me. But when you have to go, you have to go. I gagged the whole time. On the way back to the hostel, we had McDonalds. It was the best meal I have had yet.

We had someone fix the heat in our room. I think they just kept pushing buttons until it worked. But this heater is directly above my twin box-spring and it felt like a dragon breathing on me all night. When I woke up the third time in sweat, I had to turn it off. I knew Nathan and Frank would be mad at me, but I had to do it. Nathan woke up about an hour later and messed with it. I pretended that I was asleep. Sure enough, the fire dragon was back on. I knew I had lost my fight...

We woke up at a decent hour. We carefully laid out our breakfast strategy - Nathan would make our eggs, I was on coffee duty and Frank had toast. We would hog every station until we had everything. It worked like a charm.

Then, we made our way to the Lama Temple. This is the largest active temple in Beijing. It was one of the best sites we have visited. There were people worshiping everywhere. They light their incense in front of the temple and pray to the Buddha. Then, they go inside and give the Buddha 3 incense sticks. There were many Buddha temples: one for medicine, mathematics, past, present, future, etc. It was really an awesome site!

We then made our way to the train station to buy our tickets to Xi-an. This was an intense experience. There were so many people everywhere. I'm not sure why we haven't booked our tickets before today, but Nathan and Frank will blame this on me. We are supposed to leave tomorrow, so we are cutting it close. But good news: we did get a train to Xi-An but they said "no" about the train from Xi-An to Shanghai. We think it's because you have to buy the tickets at the origin, at least, that is what we are telling ourselves. I hope they are not sold out. If we don't make it to Shanghai, Nathan and Frank might kill me. Seriously.

After the intense train station experience, we had lunch. I really wanted KFC but we went to some Chinese restaurant, shocking. Not my favorite. I think I may come back skinner and it won't be from my tea I bought!

Next, we were off to the Summer Palace. I knew we had to get off at this one stop (Xhimen), but 2 stations are named the same thing. Poor city planning. We did meet a nice older man on the train named Frank. He is a doctor and now lives in Beijing. He studied in the US at LSU and his English was great. Frank MD has us all worried about the train from Xi-An to Shanghai. He said we might have troubles. He gave us his card and he is going to make a few calls for us. I don't know if this is a scam or if he is just really nice. I am still going to be optimistic about this damn train. Frank MD did point us in the right direction of the Summer Palace though.

After taking a shady "taxi", we made it to the Summer Palace. It is so beautiful and peaceful. It's set on a few lakes with beautiful paths along the lake. There are weeping willow trees everywhere which make its that much more wonderful. After a long walk along the path, we finally made it to the Buddha temple 10min before closing and climbed to the top. It was a hike, but well worth it. It was a great view of the city and the lake below.

Once, we made our way down, we decided to take a taxi to the hostel. We got into what we thought was a taxi, but I think it was a scam. They removed the taxi sign once we got in. He kept saying 'meter taxi' and 'traffic jam'. I hope he didn't take us on a joy ride through the city. We paid more than what we wanted but it only converted to $4 per person. A dollar goes a long way here.

Walking back to the hostel, we have found our weak spot. This store beside us is selling a lier of beer for only 4 yuan! That is not even $1! I am sure this will haunt us tomorrow :) I hope Frank doesn't get arrested.

UPDATE: Frank MD emailed us and said we can fly from Xi-an to Shanghai for 500 yuan! DEAL! We were initially going to have to travel 16 hours on the train. This is going to work out so much better!!!

Until next time..

Smiles,
Denise

Print this entry Share Beijing hotels

Previous Entry Next Entry