Had to be ready by 8, so had a quick breakfast at Starbucks across the front courtyard. Collected and on the road right on time, heading for the Great Wall.
Beijing traffic - that could be an entire story of it's own - up to 6 lanes of traffic going each way, buses, taxis and cars galore, add bicycles, mopeds and many variations between the two, plus pedestrians ......... and that is just an ordinary street. Yes there are traffic lights and I assume road rules, but they are generally used as a guideline only, especially for pedestrians, bikes, mopeds, cars and taxis!! Oh, and don't forget to beep your horn at everyone to let them know you are coming through, or that they are in the way or ........... Get the general idea! Give way to pedestrians? - don't be ridiculous, that would just cause delays. We are very glad that we had a driver, and didn't have to negotiate it all ourselves.
Drive to the Wall was uneventful, Errol had chosen Mutianyu, a section of the Wall that is not quite as busy and commercial. There was a chairlift ride up - not quite the same standard as the one in HK, but definitely better than walking. The Wall was incredible - we walked for quite a distance. It is very steep in parts, and quite exhausting, but amazing at the same time. Took lots of photos, then there was a 'genuine Chinese toboggan' ride down (it was great fun, the boys would be proud of me!). Have kept the list of rules for what they have titled "the skid".
Back into Beijing for a typical Chinese lunch at a restaurant recommended by Lily (our guide for the next few days). It was great, and only cost about $Aus 14.
From there, we drove past the Olympic park and saw the 'birds nest' and 'cube'. I didn't expect much, but they are amazing buildings. Driving on, we arrived at the Summer Palace. It is not just a palace, but includes a total of about 320 hectares of parkland, including a huge lake. Spent about 2 hours wandering around, it is a beautiful place.
The drive back to the hotel must have taken about an hour, traffic was dreadful. Exhausted is an under statement!! Thought I would just do my blog before having a shower, but was horrified to find that all my drafts have gone.
Went to 15th floor to log on to wifi, and skyped the boys, but reception was not good. Gave up on video link, and just spoke for a while. Will try to call again tomorrow.
Ate tea at the restaurant downstairs - a mistake! This is a lovely hotel, and the staff are wonderful, but the restaurant was a real disappointment.
Don't think I have the energy to try to replace the last 5 days tonight, but will have to sit to it soon before the details run together.
No comments:
Post a Comment