Woke up feeling a little blue- homesick for my girls. Skyped with them for a long time.
Woke up feeling tired too- everything is wearing us down. (Well that and my constant 2-3am wake ups).
Today's plan is Summer Palace (and yes Jen- the guide switched everything up) with a side trip to see the Beijing Olympic Village (Our request).
It was a lot of subway riding.
And we arrived there.
The Summer Palace is where the Emperor & Empresses spent their summer's in Beijing- away from the Forbidden City. It was higher elevated- so cooler...
The original burned down and then the "Dragon Lady" rebuilt it up to what it looks like now. It was a very pretty & serene place and even though a hassle to get to- was a nice refuge from Beijing. I can see why royalty used it to get away.
The Pagoda's & Bridges & Pavillions all had beautiful painted murals on them-
Apparently the world's largest corrider is located here & on the top features amazing murals that are world famous. It is also the world's busiest corrider -as that is where all the tourists go. And with visions of Forbidden City in our heads- we decided to forgo seeing it- And take a more serene path.
The lotus plant is very popular here because it's not only beautiful, but you can eat all parts of the plant- even the bulb. We actually found out this is what they are selling on the street corners near our hotel- we were wondering what they were........
Summer Palace is on large (man made) lake. Very pretty.
This is the famous 'marble' boat. No, it does not actaully float. It's marble! The Dragon Lady had it made to take her tea in the morning. The bottom was recreated to "Western design" (the steamship which was coming into age in the 1850's when she was ruling) but the top was traditional Chinese-
More importantly, we saw a whole a lot of little girl today. She wanted to walk & she did walk.... a lot!!!
Holding our hands every now and then too!
Ahh, sweetness.....
Little girl is terrified of steps. We kinda figure she's never seen them before. Never mind her orpahange was like 4 stories high- I read they never left their 'areas' much and if they did have to go up or down floors- they took the elevator because there are kids with special needs.
It all adds up in our little girls fear of stairs (and many other things).
Ya'll- she TRIED the stairs on her own accord today. It was only once but hey, that's HUGE progress.
We stopped at a little bridge to listen to some muscians. Haven't heard an accordian for a long time. It was a nice rest.
Little Miss danced a bit. And then got pissed at Dad when threw some of her cheerios to the fish. Um, Dad- FEEDING ISSUES, remember? Best not to make her share her coveted food with the fish. :) Minor mishap based on 'habit' with stuff we do with our girls who were not raised in the orphanage. We'll get to a point, someday, where she can 'feed' the fish & find delight in it. Just not yet.
Also, our in our guide's lame attempts to try to 'talk' to her (our request to see if she had any language skills)... he keeps telling her 'to give him her food' (since she's always holding some). I told him about 100 times that he can't do that- she needs her food to herself becasue of food issues from the orphanage. He doesn't get it.
Little Miss doesn't like him (I don't blame her- I don't either).
Regardless- we had a pretty good morning with Little Miss....
In a pretty place outside of downtown Beijing.
We had lunch at McDonald's. Don't judge. We are in China and not eating Chinese food. What can I say- our guide sucks & we are scared to go into authentic places and try to order. We are picky to begin with & that just would not turn out well. Survival mode means sticking to what we know. Plus, from what we've tried to feed Meifang- she doesn't care for the noodles or rice either- goes for THE MEAT (oh, she LOVES meat!!!).
At the McDonald's I decided to go to the bathroom. Then I didn't. I just can't do it people. Me and the squatty are NOT going to be aquainted here. I'll hold it (and that's saying a lot for me!). I've now twice walked into places & into a stall... stared down that squatty and tried to muster the courage to pull my pants down. And nope. I can't. I turn around and head out.
Back to the subway to find Olympic Park.
In the subway, we were greeted with a little bit of home.
Lisa, please translate for me. I'm dying to know what this advertisment is. Why does the dog have glowing red circles under his eyes? And... why (but oh so appropriate if you knew any pugs) is there a pile of poop next to him?
I am pretty sure that this was just a bit of Godwink we needed in our homesick state. A little bit of Eddie on the Beijing subway system. Complete with his poop.
After 3 transfers we made it to Olympic Park.
I wanted to hit this specifically for a reason.
You see, the Beijing Olympics started on 08-08-08 at 8 o'clock. All very signifigant in Chinese culture as 8 is a luck number. Now my girl, she was estimated to be born on 8-09-08. A day after the Olympics started (but possible the day of, the day before, sometime near)... Regardless, in Chinese culture, those babies born in August of that year are considered "lucky Olympic babies". And so, I wanted to see Olympic Village.
It was pretty cool!
The Bird's Nest
It was pretty sunny too. And hot. But still, cool.
This was headquarters- and was built to resemble both an olympic torch & a dragon.
I don't see the Dragon. But whatever.
Also. I told you they were more popular than one would think.....
The Umbrella Hat Souviner Man.
And we totally bought one (not here.. rather at Summer Palace) for you Karl. Enjoy your China souviner. Remember, you asked for it. :)
On our way back to the hotel for nap for Little Miss (MUCH NEEDED) I saw this sign highlighting some important reminders when you ride the Beijing Subway System.
Always help your elders down Escalators.
And NEVER bring large panes of glass into the subway.
Thank you.
Over and out. Another day done. 2 more sleeps in Beijing. 2 more.
Man, you are testing my eyesight by taking a picture with such tiny words, but I figured it out. It is a reminder to dog owners to pick up their pet's poops when walking them. Good mannered dogs are trained by good mannered masters. Respect others and protect the environment.
ReplyDeleteNow that's a good message to take home to Eddie!! A+ work Lisa.
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