Forbidden City

It is Monday afternoon, Aug. 25, and for the first time in several days we don't have anything on our schedule, neither touring nor adoption. It is a good time to get up-to-date on our travels. The last post we left you with, before Trent, was at lunch on Friday, Aug. 22. After lunch we went to Tienanmen Square. This is a big public square in front of the Forbidden City. On its other side is Mao's tomb. This year they have a lot of other displays to celebrate the Olympic games.

Here is our group in front of the Beijing Olympic games symbol in Tienanmen Square.

From there we entered the Forbidden City through the famous gate with Mao's portrait. It is called the Forbidden City because only the Emperor and his officials were allowed there. It's construction began in 1406 and it served as the residence for 24 emperors. We are amazed at walking through a place with so much history. It has been in existence since before Columbus arrived in America. Nora was very curious about it. She wanted to know where the 'king' was.

Here is the Emperor's throne. (No, they would not let us sit in it.)

After the Forbidden City we went to a Chinese tea ceremony. We tried about six different types of tea. The lady there should the different ways in which each type is brewed.

The final event of the day was a Chinese acrobat show. They had contortionists, women doing amazing things on bicycles, and some high-flying, death-defying acrobatics. There was some audience participation as their seating was not designed for people over six foot. We finished the day with another hearty supper that included Peking duck. (It did not have the head.)