adminWelcome to Beijing, a city full of history, great food, and a bustling lifestyle. Listening to the sounds of the city, car horns, old men and women horking up a storm, and a culture intent on yelling every word. It’s a beautiful thing.
I have arrived in Beijing, after staying the first night in a hotel due to the time of arrival into the city, I am at my home for the week. About 10 min walk to the walls of the Forbidden City. I spent the first day getting acquainted with my surroundings and visiting a couple of the sights. First stop: Food! This was, at noon, the first meal I had since the plane landed. Walking not far from my hostel was a hole in the wall with a bbq outside and pictures of food on the wall inside. Good as any. I stuffed my face with chicken and pork-kababs and a bowl of noodles costing just under 5 bucks Canadian, then with energy replenished, wondered off into this unknown city.
Over a couple days I’ve played the tourist checking out:
The Drum Tower: not quite sure the significance of this place due to the lack of understanding of the language. Overall a tower of drums.
Tienanmen Square: A famous square where one who wants information on what happened 21 years ago would be hard pressed to find it on the internet in china. Cuz I sure had issues finding what the square was all about. Though posting this on my site is sure to have it blocked in China just like all the rest.
Forbidden City: This is a must see for all who travel here. Why? I’m not quite sure. It most definitely is a good look into the Emperors ‘Crib’. Cool but maybe just maybe make something look different. It’s a freaking city that looks all the same!
Great Wall Of China: Through a grueling 10.5k hike between Jinshanling to Simatai, in 35 degree weather. Breathtaking, Literally! To think every slave making that thing just thought “Let them freakin invade! It can’t be any worse!”
Beijing Zoo: Only one purpose here, The Giant Panda! Could spend days watching these magnificent creatures. Can I have one mommy?? Can I?
Acrobat Show: Like Cirque de Sole but all Chinese.
Final say: Two things that truly amaze me.
1) Driving here is the most organized chaos I have ever been witness too in my life. The only reason I labeled it “organized” is because I have yet to see one accident! I’m sure the lines on the road where only put there for the Olympics just for the pure appearance of order. No one follows the lines or the signs, or the lights for that matter. I may specify that this includes the bike’s, scooters, and other things I’m not sure if you can call cars. People use their horns for everything; I’m turning left “honk”, don’t hit me “honk” I just passed gas “honk”. Yet no accidents. Just crazy.
2) Call me a stupid westerner, but for a city that hosted the Olympics only 2 years ago. How is it that NO ONE speaks a LICK of English? Balls I say just BALLS!
hehehe pandaaaa is sooo cute sleeping with the logs!! smuggle one back please. and you look so squinty, are you trying to fit in? ps. nice shots
Damn boy… seeing all of that makes me consider packing up and heading over to join you… ahhhh, enjoy your freedom while it lasts young grasshoppa!
I’m freakin impressed that you actually found some chinese people who could compose, focus and shoot your camera Dude. Judging from the photos, “The Professor” actually learned a thing or two! Nice.
Ooo, ooo!!! I want one, I want one!!! Mom said yes! Really….! It will take care of the rampaging bamboo in the backyard! 😀 The pictures of all that food made my mouth water….num num num! You should get one of those horns they use on bikes and just walk around and honk at people…hahah…at least you’ll fit in! 🙂
Did you really eat all that food? You are smarter than your brother, who merely hung out at McD and Starbucks. Did you visit the potty in the Forbidden City?
yeah i visited the potty in the forbidden city it was sooooo awesome 😛 all great things to see! glad to see that your geting pictures of yourself also and not just the things to look at!!