Friday 13 April
Our day began with the promised lie in sadly cancelled... Another 7.30 start. We started at Tianeman Square - so many people compared to what we have been used to the past few days! There were so many people queuing to see Mao's mausoleum that the trail went right round the building and beyond, just about as far as you could see. Our guide was unsurprisingly reticent about discussing the events of 1989 and we were quickly moved on to the Forbidden City. Although it was still busy, it was worth every minute - beatific buildings and courtyards, some excellent information from our guide and (just as importantly!) a chance to grab our first cache in China - though we did have to make a run for it when our group leader was looking the other way and then run back before he realised we were missing!
It didn't seem long for us both to resume our usual positions at the back ifs the group - numbers 28 and a 29 in Ian's counting - and he was frequently exasperated at me running off to take a photo - my favourite being a classy shot under an umbrella advertising 'Bimbo'. . Another lunch in a fab restaurant - we are getting used to the Lazy Susans on each table - it will seem weird to have to pass around plates and glasses when we get home - but then again the thought of my children running amok with one ????
After lunch we stopped briefly at a silk museum - mainly for a hard sell - but actually it was really interesting to see the silk worms and to see some lovely quality goods - look out for those presents on our return - the visit was only marred by our guide who insisted on referring to herself in the third person much to our giggles - 'listen to Mary' 'Follow Mary' she barked in increasing desperation. . . Then onto the site of the Beijing Olympics - possibly not as impressive as it should be having a) spent lots of time at the London site and b) being pestered by the most ruthless street sellers we had come across. . . Scary people!! The only way to dodge them was to join the children playing in the fou twins - so of course I duly obliged!! Did you really expect me not to?
And back to the hotel for an extended pampering session ready for our gala dinner - or it would be if Lisa hadn't dragged me out to find a cache - got me lost - nearly killed me on the Beijing roads ( seriously the green man means nothing - it means you might die not you will definitely die in Beijing) and had me scrabbling in wee smelling rocks - luckily I found it or we might still be there!!!
The gala dinner was fab - our first taste og Beijing duck and some Great Wall of China wine !!!! Early start tomorrow postponed again So the late night wa probably not the best idea!!!
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