BEIJING, DAY 7 - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008
Having survived the hot Sichaun food from last night, I feel great this morning. We have breakfast in the hotel, a buffet with cook to order eggs, waffles, pancakes, fresh fruits (many of which I have never seen before), ten types of fish, sushi, sushimi, eight types of yogurt, and things I can not begin to identify or describe, together with your standard ham, bacon, sausage, etc. Typical breakfast in Beijing, no doubt.
Thoroughly refreshed with sleep and food, we head out into a bright, clear, cool day. Our hotel is on the north side of Chang An Blvd., the main east-west central city street. Just 300 yards to our west, on the north side of Chang An, is the Forbidden City, ancient home of the emperors of China, in all its many transformations, but primarily the last two dynasties, the Ming and the Qing. Across Chang An from the Forbidden City is Tian’An Men Square, home of Mao’s mausoleum.. We spend the better part of the day wandering the Forbidden City, viewing the artifacts of the emperors who once were viewed as god, and owned everything and everyone in China. Apparently, being the emperor was good work, if you could get it and stay alive long enough to enjoy it.
We had a late dinner in the hotel, and toured the place. Quite an impressive layout - old world charm, solid warmth, mixed with the most modern of conveniences. They open and light up the bowling alley just for us to look it over. The spa staff explains all the different ways our bodies can be massaged, pounded, twisted, oiled and dusted. Why would anyone stay anywhere else in Beijing? Off way got to our large, comfy room, for a good night of sleep.
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