Tuesday, February 1, 2011
We began our day in the hostel cafe, talking for a bit with Dave, who was sitting at a table with his computer. Cam came down soon after we started eating; Will eventually joined us. Kevin and Liam had left earlier that morning to explore on their own.
After breakfast Cameron, Will, Shannon and I headed to the Forbidden City. The wall surrounding the city is formidable, the moat wide, the footprint expansive, the inner buildings large and numerous.

We walked through a side entrance and found a wide, long open square: to our left, the main entrance on a busy street which faced Tian’anmen Square. Before us, another side entrance. To our right, an intimidating rust red wall surrounding the actual entrance to the city itself.

After buying tickets we got a tour guide, Betty, to walk through with us. She had a great sense of humor and put up with our ridiculous questions and antics.

The Forbidden City consists of nearly 1,000 individual buildings on a plot of land that measures 7,800,000 square feet.


It’s gargantuan. Idiotically so.

Some of the buildings housed the concubines, of which there were 70. There was one building, which could comfortably house a family of five, that served as the emperor’s changing room.

That’s it. He changed clothes and checked his hair and got all dolled up in this building. That’s it. Stupid.

We met up with Liam and Kevin in the Hall of Clocks, an exhibit located in a large building within the city. High ceilings and rows of clocks were inside; these clocks were gifts from visiting dignitaries, and we were able to see a demo of three of them.

After the demo we decided to go our separate ways and regroup in an hour at the hostel. I wandered, taking pictures at my own pace.

Nearly an hour later I returned to the hostel, took a short nap, and then we all headed south to Tian’anmen Square.

This area is just to the south of the FC and is marked by two enormous gates and important government and historical buildings, including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. It was along the northern border of the square that the infamous showdown between the protester and the army tank took place.

After walking from the NE corner to the SW corner, we attempted to find a bus depot to look at Great Wall tour prices.

We couldn’t find it, so instead walked along busy streets lined with stores. Will, Cam and I then took the subway to the Silk Market, and Shannon and Kevin went back to the hostel.
Upon reaching the Silk Market, I headed upstairs to buy gifts. Once I’d completed my mission, I walked from the market to the hostel, marveling at the city at night. It was a hour and twenty minute walk, and my body was tired when I finally made it back.

Liam, Kevin, Shannon and Dave went barhopping after our group spent a while outside the hostel shooting fireworks. Will, Cam and I stayed back and talked with Brett, an older Australian; Cam and Will entertained us with magic tricks, and we went to bed a bit after midnight so we could wake up early for our Great Wall tour the next morning.
Reading your blogs is always a high point of my day. Your descriptions are like reading a professional comedian’s script: your word choices, timing, and punch line are all perfectly delivered. Someone out there would pay to have this level of accomplished writing. You are a gifted photo-journalist!!!
As my mom, it’s required that you call my doodles masterpieces and my ramblings Pulitzer Prize-worthy.
Don’t believe your own lies. I spoke the truth that even strangers would agree with. You’re really very good!
Aw, shucks. Thanks.
Hey Mandy, I have been reading in silence and enjoying every minute. I had to comment on this one, though. Your Mom is not the only Mom (Aggie Mom at that) thinking that your writings are prize winning. You have a talent!! I enjoy traveling with you as I am stuck in Austin, TX. PAI 5.03 is not as exciting…
Hi Debbie! I’m glad you enjoy it! While life in PAI isn’t necessarily as exciting, you guys are certainly going through your own adventure, from what I hear. Hope you’re doing well through it all!