They knew I was coming so they baked a duck
First night in Beijing and we went to an amazing Peaking duck dinner. I know i've talked about food quite a bit in this blog but man, I love to eat. And this...is my kind of meal! It made up for the fact that they tried to blame me and Julia for taking things out of our hotel room that we didn't take in Xi' An. This crispy juicy duck smeared in rich decadent plum sauce wrapped in a thin egg roll sheet put me in the best of moods. Nothing was going to get me down. The air seems cleaner or maybe it's just the lack of dust. There are big buildings and it's a nice city but it isn't suffocating like Shanghai. The hotel is located in a nice area of town. We stayed at the Dong Fang Hotel and Susie, my sister-in-law, told me Dong means good. After a full meal of lamb and duck we waddled back to the hotel but before we retired we wanted to stop at the store across the street called 24 hour. We wanted water for tomorrow and to brush our teeth with and Julia wanted and ice cream. As we were checking out we heard a terrifying squeal and looked out on the street and saw a dog get run over!! It was the most horrible thing I had seen yet! the poor puppy ran off and us girls were horrified and making oh-no! noises and the locals just started laughing! I am not sure if they were laughing at the dog getting run over or our reaction, but either way I didn't appreciate it. We took our purchases and went home.
Fit for a King
Let me start off by saying that this was my favorite day in all of China! We started off our day with an experience in a factory that makes their products by using the assembly line. Up until recntly only the Emperor could buy products from this factory. They start off with copper, and it is molded into the shape of whatever they are making, a pot, a bracelet, a figurine, etc. Then they draw out a stencil of the design pattern and hand bend a thin copper wire to glue onto the pot. This step is what you see to the left. Then they hand paint in between the copper wire and fire the pot. This step is done at least 8 times! That step is shown below. But it doesn't stop there! Then the thin copper wire is painted over with 24 karat gold and they fire it with a clear coat. This was the only part of the factory we were not allowed to see.
I kept thinking that there were so few employees. There were only a maximum of three workers at each station. These people were incredibly skilled and their craftsmanship was lovely. I bought a dragon for my father. It was so cool to see the actual process of it being made that I didn't mind it being a bit more expensive. I wanted to support this small hardworking factory and I knew it was the actual real deal.
I kept thinking that there were so few employees. There were only a maximum of three workers at each station. These people were incredibly skilled and their craftsmanship was lovely. I bought a dragon for my father. It was so cool to see the actual process of it being made that I didn't mind it being a bit more expensive. I wanted to support this small hardworking factory and I knew it was the actual real deal.
Today I became a Hero
Did you know, that in China, you are a hero once you climb up the great wall? I didn't know until after I had done it, but it made it that much cooler to have been standing at the top of tower 6. We ate lunch at a touristy place at the bottom of the mountain and then climbed our way up to the lift. I was getting more and more anxious to see it, to get our first glimpse of the Great Wall of China! Julia and I decided that this occasion deserved more than just picture documentation but also we needed video. While our video is hokey, and doesn't scratch the surface of my feelings and respect for the Wall, it sure was fun and a silly way to get my excitement out. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to how much this video will probably embarrass our professors. I adore all three of you!!!
Up on the wall are little vendors just and umbrella stand with a few drinks and chocolates. These are not permanent stands...every day these people climb to the wall with their equipment and sit out in the heat waiting to serve you and make your life a little better with a cold bottle of water or a candy bar. These people are dressed in the full party uniform and must be dedicated because there is no way I would ever wear pants to climb up the Wall. It was so humbling to see how less fortunate people make their living especially while you are standing on such a worldly structure. People gave their lives to create this Wall and protect their lands, the least I could do was buy a bottle of water.
We started at tower 6 and then we had the option of headed towards the more famous tower four and go on a hike, or head north towards tower 8 which was more of a stroll. Julia and I took one look at the stairs leading down to the valley and then up to tower 4 and we decided we are more of the strolling kind. The only others who came with us towards tower 8, were Dr. Teets and Dr. Kang. We met people who were speaking Spanish and Julia had a small conversation with them and they took our picture. We also met two other girls speaking French. It was a hodge-podge of culture and I felt fortunate to be a part of it.
Up on the wall are little vendors just and umbrella stand with a few drinks and chocolates. These are not permanent stands...every day these people climb to the wall with their equipment and sit out in the heat waiting to serve you and make your life a little better with a cold bottle of water or a candy bar. These people are dressed in the full party uniform and must be dedicated because there is no way I would ever wear pants to climb up the Wall. It was so humbling to see how less fortunate people make their living especially while you are standing on such a worldly structure. People gave their lives to create this Wall and protect their lands, the least I could do was buy a bottle of water.
We started at tower 6 and then we had the option of headed towards the more famous tower four and go on a hike, or head north towards tower 8 which was more of a stroll. Julia and I took one look at the stairs leading down to the valley and then up to tower 4 and we decided we are more of the strolling kind. The only others who came with us towards tower 8, were Dr. Teets and Dr. Kang. We met people who were speaking Spanish and Julia had a small conversation with them and they took our picture. We also met two other girls speaking French. It was a hodge-podge of culture and I felt fortunate to be a part of it.
Smooth as silk
After spending time strolling along the Wall we all met back at tower 6 and headed down the sled ride. That's correct...a sled ride!!! They had roller cars with a simple hand break that slides you down the mountain. It was SO cool! How many people do you know that have sledded down from the Great Wall? I could spend all day riding the lift up and sledding down again but alas we are on a schedule.
Our next stop was the silk market. This is the more touristy of the markets and the vendors there were harsh and stubborn. It was a great opportunity to work on my haggling skills. There are six floors filled with shops and a little soft serve and green tea store at the entrance. I learned that red is a lucky color in Chinese culture. Blue is a traditional color but red is lucky, so I was on a quest for a red silk robe. Julia wanted one of those traditional dresses so we headed to the floor with the best silks. I had started to get a headache probably from being out in the sun and going non-stop all day. Or maybe I just hadn't bought enough water from the party vendors...but either way I was in a mood and only going to pay what I wanted to pay. Being on a mission is sometimes a good thing. I got my robe with little hassle and a lot of haggle. Julia also got her dress but then with our mission complete, we realized we had nothing to do and a lot of time left. We wandered aimlessly and I bought another shirt and Julia bought this and that. Finally we decided on some green tea soft serve. It was amazing!!! Perfect thing to cool you down and refresh you after being in the sun for too long.
Our time ended and we headed our separate ways for dinner. I needed a nap and a shower so dinner at the hotel sounded like the nights plan.
Our next stop was the silk market. This is the more touristy of the markets and the vendors there were harsh and stubborn. It was a great opportunity to work on my haggling skills. There are six floors filled with shops and a little soft serve and green tea store at the entrance. I learned that red is a lucky color in Chinese culture. Blue is a traditional color but red is lucky, so I was on a quest for a red silk robe. Julia wanted one of those traditional dresses so we headed to the floor with the best silks. I had started to get a headache probably from being out in the sun and going non-stop all day. Or maybe I just hadn't bought enough water from the party vendors...but either way I was in a mood and only going to pay what I wanted to pay. Being on a mission is sometimes a good thing. I got my robe with little hassle and a lot of haggle. Julia also got her dress but then with our mission complete, we realized we had nothing to do and a lot of time left. We wandered aimlessly and I bought another shirt and Julia bought this and that. Finally we decided on some green tea soft serve. It was amazing!!! Perfect thing to cool you down and refresh you after being in the sun for too long.
Our time ended and we headed our separate ways for dinner. I needed a nap and a shower so dinner at the hotel sounded like the nights plan.
What time is it? Mao time!
Tienanmen square was a site I was worried about. We were told before hand by our professors that it is a hotspot for pick-pocketing. I clung to my bag and before we left the bus, debated the pros and cons of just leaving it. I decided it was easier to target me if my hands were full with a camera, water, passport, and phone. So I clung to my bag and kept my eyes open. I was also concerned because we were told that people who were down on their luck often came to the square to beg. I am a softy I would have given it all. Being paranoid has a plus side and I noticed there were a total of 14 cameras in the square. It made me uncomfortable but I'd rather they know who shot me or stole my bag.
Also here is Mao Mausoleum but we were unable to go in because we were not dressed properly and besides the line would have taken us all day to get through. We had places to go and things to see! It was a very long walk but we saw so much in so little time. I felt like we were rushed through once again and I was speed walking through the sites.
Also here is Mao Mausoleum but we were unable to go in because we were not dressed properly and besides the line would have taken us all day to get through. We had places to go and things to see! It was a very long walk but we saw so much in so little time. I felt like we were rushed through once again and I was speed walking through the sites.
This place is a palace
The Forbidden City didn't come close to comparing to the Great Wall. Don't get me wrong it was cool to see but I felt we were rushing through it and it looked like all the same building. I know it wasn't because the statues are different. A dragon represents the Emperor, a Phoenix represents the Empress, and a Lion represents royalty. So you could tell who lived where by the statues out front. We decided that it would be smart to split up and all meet at a location we haven't been to yet. I know, we are all tired so the thought process didn't exactly go through. So we separated. Mon'chel, Michelle, Julia, and I found a wishing well of the strait path and we stopped in to make a wish and take some pictures. I am glad we did because there were very few people in this spot and once we got to the Emperical Gardens we were surrounded! I thought we would never get out. We stopped at a spot to take photos and all of a sudden people were standing next to us taking pictures of us, with us, around us, everywhere. We were famous! One person mistook me for Angelina Jolie. and Michelle was Lady Gaga. Mon'chel got Beyonce so many times we almost started calling her that ourselves. We weeded our way out and i could breathe again. It was a cool compliment but I am a little sad I didn't get to appreciate the gardens. Lord only knows when I will be back and get to see it again.
We were running late and we headed to the meeting spot which we were told "Exit through the gardens and meet outside on the left"...no one was there! Michelle started to panic and they wouldn't let us back in and no one was in sight. I started to call Charles over and over again but he dodn't pick up! Oh no we are lost and in China. Sheer Panic. Eventually we re-united and all was well so we headed to the next stop, the Tower of Heaven. This is where the Emperor made the sacrifices to the Gods. There are seven gods and seven big pots for the sacrifices.
I'm not going to reflect much on that because honestly at this point in the day I was thankful to be with everyone but after that scare I wanted to be someplace more familiar. I didn't get the full impact of how awesome it was.
We were running late and we headed to the meeting spot which we were told "Exit through the gardens and meet outside on the left"...no one was there! Michelle started to panic and they wouldn't let us back in and no one was in sight. I started to call Charles over and over again but he dodn't pick up! Oh no we are lost and in China. Sheer Panic. Eventually we re-united and all was well so we headed to the next stop, the Tower of Heaven. This is where the Emperor made the sacrifices to the Gods. There are seven gods and seven big pots for the sacrifices.
I'm not going to reflect much on that because honestly at this point in the day I was thankful to be with everyone but after that scare I wanted to be someplace more familiar. I didn't get the full impact of how awesome it was.
Every day low prices
I will however talk about our Wal-mart trip! Everything was so different except the fact that there really were, everyday low prices! There were things like Hula-hoops; a breakfast cereal much like fruit loops but with a zebra as the mascot. There was Wal-mart brand beer and fruit jells and the biggest difference wasn't the fact that this Wal-mart was two floors or had escalators from the parking garage to the building capable of bringing a cart on, but the fact that they had a fresh fish mart. I mean fresh!! We saw someone scoop a live fish out of the tank with a net and put it into a plastic bag. It was so inhumane to see the whole process and watch a fish suffocate. It's the reason I don't partake in the southern pass-time of fishing. There was some bizarre fish there too. There were eels on ice and flounder swimming on their side. We've gotten used to seeing the ducks hanging and the different meats that are unknown to us being packaged, but this was the only fish market we went to...and it was in Wal-mart!
As smelly and different this Wal-mart was I couldn't help but think if it as a comfort from home. I expected to see Chris come from the next isle and say "hey babe, look at this!" It was in this moment I got really home sick. I missed Conway and the feel of sand between my toes and most of all I missed my boyfriend. I missed being able to call my family and not spend and arm and a leg doing it. I wanted to tell my friends about this crazy product I just picked up in Wal-mart. I wanted to take pictures but we were told not to. I wanted to go home.
So instead I went shopping somewhere else! Our next stop was the one shopping site I wanted to take full advantage of. Being a Tri Sigma I LOVE pearls and I now had enough haggling prctice to set lose on these unexpecting vendors. But if I was ging to continue to buy buy buy, I needed another suitcase! We all did at this point so we headed to the third floor where they tried to rip us off for some imitation luggage. Julia and I got the best deal because we knew double teaming was better than trying to get a single item for anything. We each got a Louis Vutton roller suitcase for 125 yuan. This is about $20 which is a great price to pay for any luggage let alone "name brand". Then we headed up to the pearls :) I was surrounded by beautiful jewelry! I got a rush as I bought my first necklace for my mother and I knew to ask for the better clasp and which pearls were the natural verus the cultured. I bought a darling ring and i knew in that moment that I couldn't stay here. I would go to the pearl market every day and drape myself in pearls enough for five lifetimes. So we moved on. There was a t-shirt I saw all throughout China I saw that I wanted. On our way down we saw Dr. Small and ended up helping him get a deal on two T-shirts of his own. All in all I believe it was a successful day.
As smelly and different this Wal-mart was I couldn't help but think if it as a comfort from home. I expected to see Chris come from the next isle and say "hey babe, look at this!" It was in this moment I got really home sick. I missed Conway and the feel of sand between my toes and most of all I missed my boyfriend. I missed being able to call my family and not spend and arm and a leg doing it. I wanted to tell my friends about this crazy product I just picked up in Wal-mart. I wanted to take pictures but we were told not to. I wanted to go home.
So instead I went shopping somewhere else! Our next stop was the one shopping site I wanted to take full advantage of. Being a Tri Sigma I LOVE pearls and I now had enough haggling prctice to set lose on these unexpecting vendors. But if I was ging to continue to buy buy buy, I needed another suitcase! We all did at this point so we headed to the third floor where they tried to rip us off for some imitation luggage. Julia and I got the best deal because we knew double teaming was better than trying to get a single item for anything. We each got a Louis Vutton roller suitcase for 125 yuan. This is about $20 which is a great price to pay for any luggage let alone "name brand". Then we headed up to the pearls :) I was surrounded by beautiful jewelry! I got a rush as I bought my first necklace for my mother and I knew to ask for the better clasp and which pearls were the natural verus the cultured. I bought a darling ring and i knew in that moment that I couldn't stay here. I would go to the pearl market every day and drape myself in pearls enough for five lifetimes. So we moved on. There was a t-shirt I saw all throughout China I saw that I wanted. On our way down we saw Dr. Small and ended up helping him get a deal on two T-shirts of his own. All in all I believe it was a successful day.
A slow boat to China
Toady we started off at the summer palace taking a slow boat across the lake. It was such lovely views and we stopped to listen to some retired people sing in the pavillion. It is so refreshing to see the elderly outside and singing and dancing. It seems that as a culture the Chinese treat there retired with respect, letting them into parks for free and offering community programs. I wish we would see more of those things offered in America.
The morning was lovely and there was a warm breeze as we got onto our dragon shaped boat. We meandered across and enjoyed the ride. When we got to the other side the professors asked us a simple question that seemed so much harder than it ought to be. They asked if we would rather stay there and visit the temple or go to see the pandas. I was torn! It was so beautiful but I love pandas! After all they do rhyme with my name and my fantasy world Amandaland is rampant with pandas. I like the rest of my peers voted pandas.
The morning was lovely and there was a warm breeze as we got onto our dragon shaped boat. We meandered across and enjoyed the ride. When we got to the other side the professors asked us a simple question that seemed so much harder than it ought to be. They asked if we would rather stay there and visit the temple or go to see the pandas. I was torn! It was so beautiful but I love pandas! After all they do rhyme with my name and my fantasy world Amandaland is rampant with pandas. I like the rest of my peers voted pandas.
Put your sunglasses on, then you will look like a panda
Pandas, while cute and cuddly cartoons are actually quite boring in real life. They sleep and eat and that's about it. They don't even procreate just eat and sleep. To the left is an instructional poster they hung up in the zoo about the mating habits of pandas. I bought some cute paraphernalia to support my animal name-sake and felt a bit intrusive as we watched them nap and eat. Maybe Amandaland won't be overrun by pandas but rather blanketed by them.
The rest of the zoo was interesting. They had a whopping selection of chickens, monkeys, and a raccoon. Oddest zoo I've ever been to.
The rest of the zoo was interesting. They had a whopping selection of chickens, monkeys, and a raccoon. Oddest zoo I've ever been to.
Not for all the tea in China
For those of you who don't know I am a bit of a tea snob. I have had tea from all over the world. Hot tea is one of my favorite things. In fact I have enough loose tea in my tiny apartment to open a store of my own. Teavana should pay me I frequent so frequently and know more about their blends then their employees. Now knowing this about me, I will share my thoughts on a traditional tea house. It was a con. We went to some place called Dr. Tea and the tea they served was lovely but it was nothing special. The only tea you couldn't get in America was the tea cake. This is a special type of packaging they do in China to preserve the tea for years and years. I own a few of them and keep them in my apartment for special occasions. Dr. Tea did not even tell the full story of the tea cake and they did not carry any tea cakes from the original tea plant. So while I did learn how to hold a Chinese cup like a lady and politely sip my tea in three sips, I knew much more than they were telling us. Tea does have healing properties and is very healthy and cleansing. It can actually help you lose weight but it isn't the miracle cure to obesity. Sorry America. Keep searching.
I used to bend that way
We saved the Acrobat show for the last night in China and it was a treat. We had VIP seating in the center of the stage. This was no ordinary theatrical show. There were vendors that came to you in your seat to sell popcorn, beer, ad other snacks, like it was a baseball game. The performance blew my mind! It was hard to clap with the beer in my hand but I was highly impressed! There was a little introduction and It was all in Chinese so we didn;t quite get the story line but i think it was important times in history. There was one act that seemed particularly Egyptian. There was also a clear love story in the silk suspension and what is history without star-crossed lovers? The acrobats made the way they bent seem so natural and effortless but it was so extreme that you knew not to try it at home.
It was our last night in China and our last night with Charles as our guide. We wanted to thank him on behalf of Coastal Carolina and give him a gift so he would remember this particular group. While we were in one of the markets we all pitched in a bought a I <3 China shirt and signed it. We presented it to him at our last supper and he teared up. It seemed so small a guesture, but it clearly meant a lot to him and I felt overjoyed to have been able to have been a part of it. I had Mixed feelings about leaving China. I truely loved being here and wanted to spend more time exploring but I had been looking forward to Korea for so long. Plus is was one plane flight closer to home. Just an Epic adventure away from the states. Goodbye China. Hello Korea!
It was our last night in China and our last night with Charles as our guide. We wanted to thank him on behalf of Coastal Carolina and give him a gift so he would remember this particular group. While we were in one of the markets we all pitched in a bought a I <3 China shirt and signed it. We presented it to him at our last supper and he teared up. It seemed so small a guesture, but it clearly meant a lot to him and I felt overjoyed to have been able to have been a part of it. I had Mixed feelings about leaving China. I truely loved being here and wanted to spend more time exploring but I had been looking forward to Korea for so long. Plus is was one plane flight closer to home. Just an Epic adventure away from the states. Goodbye China. Hello Korea!