Beijing Hotels
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Last day...
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This morning I got a super early start. Well, every day. I was sleeping from about 8PM to 4AM each day, as I never adjusted to the time change. Had a great call with Chris (hooray for Skype and webcams!) and got up to go exploring a little more before I have to rush off to the airport. Breakfast buffet in the hotel, followed by a subway trip to the silk market near the Yonganli station. Oh, there are tvs in the subway tunnels showing ads as the trains pass, and this morning the train was super crowded. I literally could not move for a couple stops, and had to shove my way to the door at my stop. I would have been fine navigating back on the train if I went over a station, but not the preferred option. I arrived at 8:30 and was informed (sign language can be universal) by a security guard that it didn't open until nine. Sat by the fountain in the parking lot and wrote, reflected, and people watched some more.
It is really humid in Beijing and I got really sweaty sitting and waiting, but the fact that I packed for two days total and ended being
gone five didn't help, since all my clothes were dirty. I didn't have the heart to expense the hotel laundry service - it was really freaking expensive and the timing was inconvenient. Ah well, stinky world traveler on my last day.
So the silk market is a shopper's paradise, but I'm not the most skilled bargainer. I know I didn't get the best prices I could, but I felt like they were reasonable. I bought a bunch of pearls and some faceted crystal beads, plus a skirt, and had fun looking. I don't think I came close to seeing the whole thing though, as it got a bit overwhelming after a bit and I headed back to the subway to go to my room and pack.
Paying presented an issue for a bit due to a problem with my credit card which I think has been corrected, but then the hotel car whisked me back through crazy Beijing traffic back to the airport. This having been my first real trip on my own, ever, it was very freeing. But I miss Chris and home and I'm ready to head back. Especially with the almost certain knowledge that I'll be returning.
I got upgraded to business class on the way home, which was sweet of my friend. This meant I could hang out in the business class lounge and sip beverages and eat finger sandwiches and nuts at the airport once I got through security and customs. I think I had my passport and boarding pass checked three times before completing the security route. And then once inside the gate we had our bags searched again, and we could not take on any liquids except for the 3oz ones on board, even if it was water I got in the secured part of the airport. Oh well. But then I had my choice of wine with my dinner selection, and my side storage compartment so everything was at my fingertips, and I could stretch my legs, all of which meant that I slept hard and long on the flight home. And I missed part of Sunday/Monday on the way over, but I got to do Thursday twice on the way home, as I arrived in Chicago 11 minutes after I left Beijing on the same day. International travel is going to do odd things to my sense of time. But it's fun. What's next? Can't wait to find out. :)
Latest Comments (4)
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A Terrific Tour (reply)
Apr 18, 2008 15:12 EST by njpenning
I agree with Larry. You made us feel as though we were with you. Beautiful and artfully-crafted photos of so many, many different things. Not your typical 'tourist' shots... but an amazing array. Super!
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Thanks A Bunch!!! (reply)
Apr 17, 2008 11:43 EST by hlpenning
Super good job Lisa! You really made us feel like we were there with you. Bev and I were in Beijing in 1983. It is amazing to see and hear of the difference that those 25 years have made. I'll have to show you some of our shots of the same places, The Forbidden City, Mao's Tomb, The enormous square, The Great Wall but most of all The People. You will really see an incredible change. Thanks s... show all
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Fantastic (reply)
Apr 17, 2008 05:15 EST by saranoelle
What a wonderful trip. The pictures are great. Thanks for sharing.
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