May 24

Another breakfast of scrambled eggs and croissants. Have I talked about our hotel? Four star or something I think, very nice. We have a balcony that opens up on a courtyard, which consists of a river and a waterfall (there is a river running through the hotel, how cool is that?). First floor rooms have a deck out to the river, the other rooms have the balconies with greenery.

This morning’s bus ride is to Tiananmen Square. Although I probably would have probably gotten better pictures if there was less smog. I should also mention (since it’s been mentioned numerous times to us) the heckling vendors. They are everywhere at the tourists attractions. They are very persistent, and if you should show them the slightest bit of attention (or actually buy something) they will not leave you alone and will pretty much swarm you. It is sad, but no one person can support the entirety of China’s poor, so it’s really best to ignore them.

Anyway, Tiannamen Square is huge. There are multiple “gates” (I quotation it because there are no longer any walls). Red flags through the middle, and Mao’s picture over the arch at the end.

The Forbidden City is huger. It’s “gate” after “gate” of Chinese architecture, and while beautiful, rather repetitive. And upon asking “are we there yet” we learned we were only halfway through. Quite the sight though. Lots of red. In an attempt to add variety to my pictures, I did a little color accent.

Lunch. Decent. Wasn’t really hungry though. What is wrong with me? I think it’s the head cold. All the congestion that’s draining down my throat, and the fact that I can’t taste too well, are leaving me very un-Marylike at meals.

On to the state run Pearl Market. Apparently some very good deals, but still too expensive for me. But some people liked it and spent hundreds. I’m not really into pearls, but I figured “when will I be in China again?” and bought the cheapest quality they had. Still spent more than I ever have on jewelry (don’t worry…I’ve never spent very much on jewelry). I got the bluish-purplish pearls that are all different shapes—a bracelet, ring, and two sets of earrings (to fill all the bottom holes). Then in the parking lot I spent $5 and got a fake Rolex and a Beijing 2008 Olympics tshirt. That’s my kind of shopping right there.

We returned to the knock-off market from yesterday, because people who decided to have a suit tailor-made needed to go for a fitting. I had considered getting a suit, but I already have enough. I kind of wish I got a shirt made, but I’ll deal without. This time I just wanted some cheapo jewelry (got a ring and two pairs of earrings), an extra pair of cheap sunglasses in case mine break (I went with some fake Diors), and another bag, larger this time, and slightly more outrageous (a lime green Balengcia motorcyle bag). I need to stop spending money or I will run out of my 5 week allotment in the first week.

I was finally hungry come dinner, but dinner was actually not that great. Presentation was fabulous, but not nearly as many enjoyable dishes as usual. There was dead fish head that was formed into a dragon, and a roasted chicken with beak intact. Then we were offered an optional Kung Fu show (I opted in). Very Cirque-meets-ballet-meets-kung-fu-meets Broadway, if that makes any sense. Then people wanted to go out, but I’m old and I get tired, and I had pictures to edit and blogs to post. But most importantly, I love sleep.

I'll try to get more pictures up later tonight (which I think means in the morning, your time).