Since both of us were up since 12:30am- we got a very early start to our day. We basically waited till the buffet opened at 6am and headed down for our breakfast.
Let's just say it wasn't great. I think I had toast. Kurt found himself some french fries. They also had spaghetti if we wanted, but we opted out at 6am.
Kurt's first "Chinese" breakfast. French Fries.
We then consulted our trusty map- since we have no guide until William shows up at noon to take us to the orphanage to get Charlie- and decided to head towards Tiananmen Square. William had told us the previous day it was 'about two blocks'.
Apparently 'two blocks' in Beijing is really about 9,000 blocks because it felt like we were walking forever!!!
But we took in the sights of 7am Beijing....
This is typical housing here- mostly high rise, steel, gray apartments-
There is lots and lots of police and military presence all over the city. They are stationed almost every street. Addionally there are security checkpoints almost everywhere- including to enter the subway.
We finally did reach the Sqaure & were rather lost in a shuffle of craziness- we had no guide so we had no idea what things really were or meant.
Beijing- once being the city where the emporor's lived, was apparently walled hundreds of years ago. This was the original enterance into the city of Beijing.
From here we tried to figure out what and where to go. We decided to follow the masses. It was spectacularly crowded for 8am. And already VERY hot and humid. I can only image what this square looks like at noon.
It so happens, that we followed the crowd right around this monument. I never did find out what it was.... I think a memorial to hope for the people of China.
We didn't get close enough to it because it was right around here I was following people into a que- and was grabbed and pulled out of the masses. A very angry security man was yelling at me in Chinese.....
Kurt did what all good husbands should do- he walked away and pretended he didn't know me. Never mind we were the only two caucuasians present.
I finally understood "Chairman Mao". Ok. So we were entering the line to see Chairman Mao's dead body.
I then also finally understood, as he screamed over and over directly into my face. No Bag. No Camera. No Slippers.
(apparently flip flops are major faux paux in Chairman Mao's line- this is where a guide would have been semi-useful).
I got it. I said OK. I tried to walk away. We won't go to see his dead body. I promise. He kept following me. No Bag. No Camera. No Slippers. Yelling at me.
I promise, I get it... I do. I'm leaving. Please don't arrest me. My husband left me. Some scary security is following me...and I totally blame the slippers!!!!
Finally he left me alone, when I was far enough away from the que (which btw- when I saw the actual line- I'm SO glad we didn't get in it..it was about 1 mile long and that is NOT an exaggeration).
We got another block away to see the famous porait of Mao. Kurt rejoined me at some time- confident I was not going to a Chinese prison cell.... but wouldn't let me take any pictures... It was only after I showed the 10 zillion other people taking pictures at this time, he relented...
And so you have it- us at Tiananmen Square. And not in jail for my slippers. And camera usage.
We debated trying to secretly join one of the many tour groups going around- but again- considering we were the only westerns...and I had slippers on...and neither of us were wearing the appropraite color 'tour hats' they had on- we figured we wouldn't get away with it...
So we walked our 9,000 'two block' blocks back to our hotel and to our crazy supermarket to get water. By this time, it's 9am. And we have sweated through our clothes. And nothing has air. And we are tired. And nervous. And we gave up the streets of Beijing for awhile.
2 more hours till we leave to get Charlie.
I'm so nervous, literally, I could throw up. Maybe I will. With my slippers on.
Remember. No bag. No camera. No slippers.
Note to self: See the square with a guide.
China sounds a bit like the Philippines - except much more security. Please be careful! Looking forward to seeing pics of you with Charlie. Love Ya!!!
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