Day 2 continued:
We visited Tianamen Square after getting settled into the Three Legged Frog hostel. The hostel itself is very cozy and is clean enough by Chinese standards. Tianamen Square is huge. The square holds Mao's tomb in the center and around it are several significant cultural buildings such as the National Museum of History and the Chinese Workers' Cultural Palace. The Zhengyang and Qianmen gates border the southern part of the square and the Forbidden City occupies the northernmost portion. We did not actually enter the Forbidden City, but all of the walking around gave us a good glimpse of the older Chinese architecture and style. After being out in the sun for so long we felt ready for dinner, but when I returned to the hostel I promptly flopped into bed. This was at 5pm. From what I gather everyone did this. We were just too exhausted from the walking and the sun and the traveling.
Day 3:
Today was the day to tour the Great Wall of China. We visited the Jinshanling section of the wall, which was less occupied by tourists. We had more personal time to explore the wall, albeit accompanied by our "personal tour guides" who were trying to work their way into our goodwill to sell us souvenirs of the trip. They were local Mongolians who had set up shop in the base area by the parking lot. They would attach themselves to one of us and walk alongside us, offering tips and insights as well as taking pictures and even fanning us at times. They were a little obnoxious at first, but after an hour their presence felt much more natural. Apparently they abscond and traverse the wall two or three times in a day trying to sell their wares.
We really lucked out with the weather on this day. The sun was obscured by clouds for most of the day. We were able to stay cool despite all of the walking (and some running) that we did along the wall. The wall itself is amazing. The Jinshanling portion trails across the mountain tops and ridges. It's hard to imagine anyone wanting to build a wall upon these mountains, let alone travel over them to invade. Judicator Brewskie, JT York and I put it upon ourselves to make it all the way out to the Five Window Tower because our guide told us that it was the farthest that we could go. Getting there was rough. The Great Wall dips and rises with the mountains, making the walk difficult, especially when the steps suddenly become steep and treacherous.
We made it to the Five Windows tower and promptly sat down for a while to catch our breath. The journey to and from the Five Windows Tower was exhausting, but wholly worthwhile. We all got fantastic pictures and bonded over our collective stubbornness/stupidity. The view returning was breathtaking, but I will let my pictures do the talking since I find myself at a loss for words.
During the Great Wall excursion Mr. Mundo struck up conversation with a French tourist aboard our bus. Inspired by his amiable nature I decided to converse with some Canadians that were sitting behind me. They proved to be a lot of fun. The Canadians were also graduate students studying in China. They were on a brief break and had come to Beijing to enjoy themselves. They gave us many insights into haggling, which I have since used to buy some knock off Ray Bans for a steal!
Returning from the wall we rested then ventured out for Beijing duck. The hostel employees told us of a good restaurant nearby. The culture at this restaurant was unlike anything that I had expected. Smoking inside was allowed, some men had their shirts off, the hostess moved the occupants of one table in order to seat us, and spitting, throwing trash, and leaving cigarette ash onto the floor was completely acceptable. I don't know if this restaurant only appealed to a particular demographic, but it was an eye opening experience into Chinese culinary culture. The food was delicious though and we enjoyed the restaurant atmosphere. The whole meal cost less than $7 per person and left us satiated. Afterwards we wandered around our area of Beijing and found a large market street full of lit up signs and peddlers selling light up toys.
The stores were blasting techno music and, suddenly, Mr. Mundo launched into a full on dance number of his own creation. I have not laughed so hard in a long time. Mr. Mundo clapped, spun, kicked and shuffled his way along the marble street drawing a sizable crowd around him who did not grasp the concept of clapping in time, but a good time was had by all.
WHEW! that's it for day 3. Day 4 coming soon (hopefully I'll be back on track by week's end!)
Mister Mundo is the friendliest man in the world, and a great dancer.
BEIJING DUCK!
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