13 - Back in Beijing
6/30 Today was quite a full day--breakfast at 7am (that's when you eat if you've been awake since 5:30am!), Kindergarten, Hutong tour, lunch in private Hutong home, silk factory, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Beijing Acrobatic show.
We began our day by arriving at the local city tour office where we boarded two by two in rickshaws. Off we went to visit a local premier Kindergarten. This is a day care/dependent boarding school for children ages 2-5years because their parents work many long hours. We visited the cutest two year olds who were washing their hands after play. They had little towels stored in their individual cubicles, but the boys' towels were quite unused as these little guys just dried their hands on their clothes! Being the generous and kind guy he is, Gerald opened a bag of Toostie rolls we brought to share. In an instant, he was surrounded with open hands and smiling faces. Sadly, that's when the teacher announced the dread words, No candy until after lunch. It was heartbreaking! One poor little guy just sobbed and sobbed. The teacher promised they would get their candy after lunch, so we left hoping all would be ok soon. I hope that little guy forgives us.
Then off again in our private carriages. Those guys run pretty fast! It was hard to take pictures because of their speed. Speed is good, especially as we crossed heavy traffic and dodged vehicles. We traveled thru the Hutongs, which are very narrow roads where ancient homes (quadrangles) are located and still occupied 600 years later. Each home has an even number of posts sticking out over the front door at the street. The number of posts indicates rank in society and also helps in arranging marriages. They could not marry anyone from a lower level, or with less posts. If a man did choose a woman of less status, she could not be his legal wife. The home we visited graciously provided a delicious lunch for us. We learned something new--the Chinese men are most often the chefs in the family, while the wife cares for the home and children.
After saying goodbye to our rickshaw pilots, we headed for the Forbidden City. I had managed to say No to each request that we visit a Tea House, or Jade factory, or Pearl factory. I knew that these are government stores and the prices are often many times inflated. Also, they won't bargain much, so anything paid was too much. Well, our clever tour guide managed to arrive at the Silk factory. So we entered to learn about the lifecycle and eating habits of the silkworm. Although I enjoyed viewing the exquisite weaves, some taking as many as four year to complete, my favorite memory was of Gerald and the male salesmen discussing their work and lives. Many times today, we've heard of someone's dream to come to America. We are questioned about our lives and homes and work. Our answers become part of their dreams. Most people are quick to say how much they love their homeland, China, yet they may add that they dream of America. Most will never see this dream come true.
On to the 999.5 rooms of the Forbidden City. No, we didn't see them all, yet what we did see is quite impressive. The entry building is draped and hidden behind a barricade as workers restore the paint and metal before the 2008 Olympics. So, we entered at the back gate and exited around the side of the front. The children enjoyed dressing in vintage costumes of the dynasty era for photographs. During this wait, Gerald was approached by a local ENT doctor who wanted to practice his English. His English name is Dr. Snow and was visiting the city with his wife, young daugher, and nephew. He questioned about our lives, families, and work. As we'd heard before Dr. Snow told of his dream to come to America. I hope his dream becomes reality.
Then we walked on, toward our bus, for the remainder of our daily tour. The walk across Tiananmen Square was much longer than I remember; we are now very stiff and sore! But, walk we must, to reach our bus for the drive to see the Beijing Acrobats. Very similar to the troupe in Branson Missouri.
It was interesting to watch the theatre crowds. They become so emotional and involved with the acrobats attempts. Ooohs and aaahs, groans and laughs--it's so different than we are at home.
As we drove back to our hotel late that evening, we passed giant apartment buildings with occupants gathered outside on the steps and sidewalks. Babies were toddling among the squatting and visiting adults. Women walking hand in hand with their heads together as they were deep in conversation. Two women embracing as one was obviously upset, yet gladly receiving her friend's compassion. The Chinese people are very unpretentious and very open with their emotions. They enjoy a good laugh, even with us, the foreigners. They reach out to help a stumbling American and offer gentle pats of compassion. Yes, I'm enjoying my return to this country of beautiful people.
We began our day by arriving at the local city tour office where we boarded two by two in rickshaws. Off we went to visit a local premier Kindergarten. This is a day care/dependent boarding school for children ages 2-5years because their parents work many long hours. We visited the cutest two year olds who were washing their hands after play. They had little towels stored in their individual cubicles, but the boys' towels were quite unused as these little guys just dried their hands on their clothes! Being the generous and kind guy he is, Gerald opened a bag of Toostie rolls we brought to share. In an instant, he was surrounded with open hands and smiling faces. Sadly, that's when the teacher announced the dread words, No candy until after lunch. It was heartbreaking! One poor little guy just sobbed and sobbed. The teacher promised they would get their candy after lunch, so we left hoping all would be ok soon. I hope that little guy forgives us.
Then off again in our private carriages. Those guys run pretty fast! It was hard to take pictures because of their speed. Speed is good, especially as we crossed heavy traffic and dodged vehicles. We traveled thru the Hutongs, which are very narrow roads where ancient homes (quadrangles) are located and still occupied 600 years later. Each home has an even number of posts sticking out over the front door at the street. The number of posts indicates rank in society and also helps in arranging marriages. They could not marry anyone from a lower level, or with less posts. If a man did choose a woman of less status, she could not be his legal wife. The home we visited graciously provided a delicious lunch for us. We learned something new--the Chinese men are most often the chefs in the family, while the wife cares for the home and children.
After saying goodbye to our rickshaw pilots, we headed for the Forbidden City. I had managed to say No to each request that we visit a Tea House, or Jade factory, or Pearl factory. I knew that these are government stores and the prices are often many times inflated. Also, they won't bargain much, so anything paid was too much. Well, our clever tour guide managed to arrive at the Silk factory. So we entered to learn about the lifecycle and eating habits of the silkworm. Although I enjoyed viewing the exquisite weaves, some taking as many as four year to complete, my favorite memory was of Gerald and the male salesmen discussing their work and lives. Many times today, we've heard of someone's dream to come to America. We are questioned about our lives and homes and work. Our answers become part of their dreams. Most people are quick to say how much they love their homeland, China, yet they may add that they dream of America. Most will never see this dream come true.
On to the 999.5 rooms of the Forbidden City. No, we didn't see them all, yet what we did see is quite impressive. The entry building is draped and hidden behind a barricade as workers restore the paint and metal before the 2008 Olympics. So, we entered at the back gate and exited around the side of the front. The children enjoyed dressing in vintage costumes of the dynasty era for photographs. During this wait, Gerald was approached by a local ENT doctor who wanted to practice his English. His English name is Dr. Snow and was visiting the city with his wife, young daugher, and nephew. He questioned about our lives, families, and work. As we'd heard before Dr. Snow told of his dream to come to America. I hope his dream becomes reality.
Then we walked on, toward our bus, for the remainder of our daily tour. The walk across Tiananmen Square was much longer than I remember; we are now very stiff and sore! But, walk we must, to reach our bus for the drive to see the Beijing Acrobats. Very similar to the troupe in Branson Missouri.
It was interesting to watch the theatre crowds. They become so emotional and involved with the acrobats attempts. Ooohs and aaahs, groans and laughs--it's so different than we are at home.
As we drove back to our hotel late that evening, we passed giant apartment buildings with occupants gathered outside on the steps and sidewalks. Babies were toddling among the squatting and visiting adults. Women walking hand in hand with their heads together as they were deep in conversation. Two women embracing as one was obviously upset, yet gladly receiving her friend's compassion. The Chinese people are very unpretentious and very open with their emotions. They enjoy a good laugh, even with us, the foreigners. They reach out to help a stumbling American and offer gentle pats of compassion. Yes, I'm enjoying my return to this country of beautiful people.
posted by Linda @ 10:38 PM
<< Home