Leah Christman's Page

Day 2
Today would prove to be a busy one, and possibly the highlight of the trip! We began with a traditional Western breakfast- eggs, bacon, fruit, toast, and orange juice. Chinese offerings (rice, fried rice, lo mien) were also available to those who wanted it. At 8:30 we departed the hotel for the Jade factory. Jade is an important family tradition. We learned there is living and dead jade and the jade comes in over 2000 colors/ varieties. Women traditionally wear a jade bangle bracket of ‘living jade’ The jade is lighter in color and somewhat translucent to be considered “A Quality”. It is very expensive (up to $2000) but will last for generation. A woman passes the bracelet down to her daughter or daughter- in-law when they marry. As the jade ages, the color gets darker. Its value increases with time because there is only so much available on earth and it occurs deep underground. They say the jade can let the person’s health and becomes dull when the individual wearing it becomes ill. Dead jade is less valuable and is chemically treated which “kills” the rock’s ability to change color. As hard as they tried, the salespeople could not convince me to part with $2000 for jewelry! We left empty handed….on to the Ming Tombs.
The Ming Tombs were a bit of a drive north on Beijing. Thirteen tombs are located in the same area. The emperor who started this selected this area because the mountain ranges run along the western, northern, and eastern sides with an opening to the south (again Fung Shui). Two mounds of dirt are located on each side of the entrance symbolizing the guard lion-dogs. We were greeted by massive houses- similar in architecture to those at the Forbidden City. Deep under the earth lie the Emperor’s tomb- made of many chambers, the remains of the emperor and lots of artifacts from the era. A museum has been created in what used to be a ceremony building. The specimens in the museum were excavated from one of the smallest of the 13 over a 2 year period. Unfortunately, much has been destroyed by the government under Mao.
From Ming Tombs we headed to the Friendship Store. We were told this was ‘required’ of all tour groups to the Great Wall.

Next we made our way to the Great Wall and proceeded to CLIMB! Amazing- 5000 miles of wall built to keep put the Mongolians to the north. The trek was difficult- steep and uneven. Some steps were one inch high with others over a foot high. We took two hours to make our way to the top and back. The day was beautiful- sunny and warm which added to the difficulty but we made it! The other direction we could have gone was even more vertical. I cannot imagine how the millions of workers carried these rocks to the tops of these mountains!

After we conquered the Wall we headed to town for a special dinner of Peking Duck. The ducks were carved in front of the table. As per custom, each duck is cut into 108 slices and then served with w pancake like wrapper, sliced onion and cucumbers and a barbeque sauce. This was quite tasty! Of course, the usual Chinese fare was also served.

On the bus ride back to the hotel, our tour guide explained the one-child policy and Chinese education. Each family may actually have one birth so twins and triplets are allowed. The policy was put in place to limit the mouths needing fed. Our guide explained that this has created some problems in the country. Each child is spoiled and often now referred to as the "little emperor" because the child rules the household. The way to get ahead is through education. Children attend classes from 7 am to 6 pm and then study for hours at night. Tutors are hired to ensure students excel. Weekends and summer vacation is spent with more study - often in the arts. The Chinese government provides education for all children for 9 years- elementary through middle school. Students must pass an exam to get into High School and another to attend college. The guide said that about 80 % of the students make it to high school and then parents must pay tuition for them to continue.

Day 1

We have arrived safely in Shanghai and are awaiting our next flight to Beijing. The flight over was very smooth. No problems were encountered! The seats were not too spacious, and my husband, Gary’s 6’2” frame was a bit a cramped, but we were able to get a few hours of sleep off and on during the long flight. We received 2 meals- first, rice and fish and then a morning breakfast of scrambled eggs, tomato half, undercooked slice of bacon, yogurt and muffin. We were also served water and hot tea throughout the flight. Movies were shown, but were either in Chinese or German with English subtitles. In all, the flight over was not bad at all!
Getting through security and customs has been quite easy for everyone in our group. There was an infrared temperature detection camera set up to identify people with temperatures. No one was manning these as we passed through however.
Gary and I stopped at a Coffee Hut in the Shanghai airport for a Latte. $98.00 for 2 Latte’s. (about $9.00 ea. US$) I am hoping Mr. and Mrs. Woo have not entered our bellies! We should be boarding our flight soon to Beijing. We will meet our guide at the airport and the adventure shall begin!
The flight was delay so we were served breakfast as we waited to depart. A bland porridge, possibly rice, something pickled- maybe mushrooms, a ½ hard cooked egg and fruit represented tastes and textures unknown to us! Later, during the flight, we were served hot round rolls that had an odd flavored middle- not sweet and definitely unidentifiable! Finally we arrived in Beijing and were met by our tour guide- Tom.
The weather in Beijing was warm and sunny. We all thought we’d be heading to the hotel- it has been 21 hours since we left JFK in New York, but instead our day began! We were off to our first (of many) family-style Chinese meals. We stopped at a restaurant and took an elevator to the fifth floor. A variety of dishes were served on the lazy Susan- always rice, Jasmine tea, beer, and many dishes of vegetables and various meats. The highlight of this meal was chicken- sliced up (including the bones) and served with two heads artistically arranged on the plate! It looked tastier than it was. Next we were off to the Forbidden City and 3 miles of walking.
The Forbidden City was the area during the Ming Dynasty that was ‘forbidden’ to the average citizens, Surrounded by a 30 meter wide moat and high wall, the area is divided by government, residences, and garden areas. The entrance is to the South as dictated by Feng Shui. With over 9000 rooms, the buildings of the Emperors are decorated with carved characters- always lead by a Rooster and Phoenix. Everything in China is about symbols. Odd numbers represent male and even are female. The Emperor can have nine characters on the roof – the maximum allowed. The entrance is guarded by two dragon-looking lion dogs. The lion dog on the right is male- signified with a ball under his paw. On the left is the female shown with a puppy or cub under her paw. The garden is made of 3000 year old trees and many rocks formed into sculptures, arches, and structures. From the Forbidden City we walked under the very busy highway across the street to Ten ‘in min Square. Everyone was feeling the effects of the long day, but we were not finished yet! We had another Chinese dinner and then went to see an Acrobatic show. The day took its toll on many in our group who had a really hard time staying awake! The show was performed by kids- ages around 10-18 and included days, gymnastics, balancing, juggling, comedy, and skits. It was entertaining, but we were all exhausted! FINALLY, at 8:30 P.M. our day was coming to an end. We all wanted to bathe and rest. After a short drive, we arrived at the Sheraton and checked in. It has been a very long and rewarding day on the other side of the world and we plan to “sleep like pigs”… as the Chinese say!