Sunday, May 22, 2011

Touring Beijing- Day 3

This is gonna be short and to the point cuz I'm exhausted and we have a flight in the morning. We leave for Guangzhou to meet my travel group who arrive at 6:30am Tuesday. So tomorrow we'll blog from Guangzhou at the China Hotel if the internet cooperates.

Today was another jam packed day... and it was hot. Still beautiful and sunny. But much hotter than the previous 2 days so we're really worn out. We started at the Beijing Zoo to see the pandas.
Totally cute, right?
Split pants really do exist.
Everyone else in China also came to the zoo today. It was pretty crowded.
Next stop was Tiananmen Square.
This place was huge. Much bigger than the pictures can illustrate.
These little school girls were adorable. All dressed in my favorite color. A little perplexed as to why the funny looking foreigner was waving at them. But friendly enough to smile and wave back.
More split pants with a little tushy hanging out.
Next up was the Drum and Bell Towers.
The drum performance was very cool.
But the 69 steps it took to get there about did us in. Then coming back down. Oh my.... were they steep!
Touring the old Hutong neighborhood by rickshaw. This guy really earned his money today.

Our guide for the Hutong was Lucky. 
No.. I mean that's her name. LOL!
After the Hutong we went for lunch and then onto Shichahai, an historic scenic area consisting of three lakes, park areas and shopping.



Next we went to Yonghe Temple.


This Buddha was carved from a single piece of wood and is 26 meters tall. 18 meters above ground and another 8 below ground. It's in the Guiness Book of World Records. Pretty impressive.
Monks
Saw this guy while we were driving today. Couldn't help but snap a pic. McDonald's delivered?
At dinner we experienced another "head still on" meal. Neither Carla nor I could eat the chicken with it's decapitated head laying there on the plate. Ick...
This is our wonderful guide, Jacky. He's taken the best care of us here in Beijing. And made this trip so memorable and amazing. If anyone plans a trip here, email me for his contact info. I can't recommend him highly enough. Just awesome!
Posting next from Guangzhou. Mia Day is Wednesday. 
PS. I love Wikipedia!

13 comments:

k1 said...

So glad you are having a good time. Your pictures bring back memories of our times there.

Sorry it got hot in Beijing. But maybe it did you a favor getting you ready for Guangzhou and Nanchang City.

Hope you're able to blog from Guangzhou.

cougchick said...

It warms my heart to know you are having such a fabulous time after your agonizing wait for Mia. Cant wait to see your Gotcha pics.

Lindsay said...

I'm exhausted just reading about your day :) Wishing you a good flight tomorrow.

Michele M said...

Krista: is your guide Jacky someone you hired on your own? We will be in Beijing on the 27th (friday) before our group and didnt book any tours from our agency as they were extremely pricey. I would love his info if he is free this coming Friday, we leave on the 25th and arrive late on the 26th.

PS...enjoying your blogging...it is so wonderful to read and follow along.

Safe travels to GZ. We will be in Nanchang on the 29th till 6/3; hoping we will meet up at some point.

Marla said...

Glad y'all are having fun!! I loved Beijing and can't wait to take my girls back some day. Safe travels to Guangzhou!!

GGHadden said...

Glad to see you are having a great time. Guangzhou is much more Westernized and Shamian Island is wonderful (if you are staying there) Only (well it's Monday am already your time) 2 more days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KJS said...

Wednesday can't come soon enough!

Laurie said...

Wow, you have packed a lot in!

Mia will be in your arms very soon!

Elaine said...

Good grief woman, no wonder you are exhausted! Taking care of Mia will be a snap after these days in Beijing! Safe travels.

kitchu said...

MEMORIES! and not that long ago at that. so glad you are there, can't believe it!! and it's MONDAY now so you should be in province and maybe MIA IS ALREADY WITH YOU!!!!! can't wait to wake up tomorrow :)

The H Family said...

Oh, I can't wait for Wednesday. I'm so excited for you!!!

Get ready though, my dear... GZ is EXTREMELY warm! You will sweat like never before!!!!

Thank you for posting all your photos! It's so fun to watch! I keep saying to myself "Oh, I was THERE two weeks ago. ETC."

Safe travels! Wish I could do dinner with you all!

Ziggy

Catherine said...

Wow!! You've done so many wonderful things and Beijing and made the very most of your time there. You won't regret a moment of it and will be so thankful for all you've done! I was there for more than a week but as Hannah was with me already and it was cold and snowy we didn't do half of what you did. Glad you had such an amazing time there!!

By now I'm sure you're in GZ or, almost there. SO close to Mia!!!

May I ask what time on Wednesday you get Mia? I'd love to wake up and pray for both of you as she is placed in your arms!

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Am loving ALL the photos... oh and when you want McDonalds... go to the front desk, they will most likely know the number to get it delivered... we had it delivered a few times :)

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