Yesterday we went to the Forbidden City. What an amazing place. It is quite large and is surrounded by a wide moat. Once again, our wonderful guide (Reagan) gave us lots of information to help us better understand the site and put all the buildings and objects in context. I am on the lookout today for a book which details much of this, as I find it fascinating. For instance, on the top corners of the roofs of each building are lines of actual characters (I’ll try to include a picture of this). The number of characters in the line reflects the importance of the building, with 11 being the highest number. So, if memory serves, Reagan said that the building where the government business was run by the Emperor had the greatest number of characters (eleven) while others would have less. Numbers also played an important role as well. For instance, the big doors used to enter the City had brass looking balls on the face of them. There were nine rows of these vertically, and nine also in each row. I don’t recall what the symbolism was, but I suspect it had something to do with safety, luck or longevity based on their location.
The crowd was quite large at the Forbidden City and our group contained some of the only foreigners. On several occasions, some natives would come up to us and use either gestures or broken English to let us know they wanted to take a picture with us. Well…..more specifically, the women with blonde or red hair (Cameron is fascinated by the hair on my arms and legs, and loves to pull it). Since many of the Chinese were in tour groups and came from outlying provinces and small towns, they had either never before seen or rarely seen anybody who looked like us. They were always quite polite and appreciative, so we were not offended in the least, but rather found it kind of cute. In fact, we took some pictures and video of them taking pictures with us! We had great fun at the Forbidden City. One interesting note when taking pictures. I had to learn to use care when taking them, as the natives seemed to have no regard for stepping in front of you or otherwise blocking your view even if they were quite aware you were taking a picture. I was taken aback the first few times, then realized that I was in a different culture, and they just have different expectations than us. Likewise, they have no problem elbow’ing their way to where they want to go. Once again, a cultural difference best recognized but not responded to, at least not as we might in the States. Needless to say, we soaked all this culture up all day and have many vivid memories to take back with us. I felt very bad for Cameron while we were at the Forbidden City as he seemed quite bored. He’s 10 years old, and visiting the Forbidden City was not “fun” in the least. He was ready to run around, climb something, capture some animal, or slay a dragon or two. Lots of energy to burn with this little guy, in a place with little opportunity to burn off calories in any sort of boyish way.
After the Forbidden City we toured a silk factory before lunch. They guided us through the process of how silk is made from start to finish, and we found this to be fascinating. Cameron was more intrigued by all this, especially with the silkworm cocoons and the silkworms in a huge writhing mass. We shopped in the silk store after this, and the prices were much less than what you’d find in the States, for obvious reasons. We nearly came back with a thing or two, but decided against it. Angie tried on a couple traditional Chinese New Years dresses but didn’t like the fit. We have been told you can get them custom made in Guangzhou, so she is waiting until we get there. Cameron has no interest in one for himself, so we will decide later whether or not to get him one.
It is interesting to see differences in hygiene Cameron displays. He brushes his teeth when we ask him to. Here’s the process…..he fills a cup with water and puts his toothbrush in it. He then puts some of the water from the cup in his mouth, swishes it around, then spits it out. He then proceeds to brush his teeth and rinse using the water in the glass. He always makes sure the sink is clean after this. If there is water on the counter, he uses the hair dryer to get it dry. He is cute to watch as he combs his hair…..this guy definitely knows how to primp. He will comb his hair meticulously, turning his head left and right while looking in the mirror to make sure it’s just right, and pays particular attention to the front, even using his other hand to make sure every hair is in place.
One other note before I forget. Previously we had noted his apparent left-handedness. Well, last night he drew a picture of his new home, and used his right hand to do it. So…..I guess he’s ambidextrous, I guess.
The afternoon was on our own, but last night was special. Humor us here……..we ate at Pizza Hut! With large glasses and ice! You’ve never seen a group of people devour 5 Cheese Lover’s pizza’s like we did! Don’t misunderstand me, we absolutely love Chinese food and all our meals here, but the taste of home for once after a week away was definitely appreciated. Our batteries were definitely charged by this meal! Interestingly, when the pizza’s arrived our guide asked us if we wanted any ketchup. We thought this was a rather strange request until Reagan explained that ketchup on pizza was the norm in China. She was surprised that we did not eat it that way in the States. Interesting.
Later in the evening I went to the spa to relax a bit. The “hot tub” water was lukewarm at best and I’m not embellishing, yet when a gentleman was getting in he nearly jerked his foot back because it was so hot to him. I nearly broke out laughing, but managed to keep my composure. When I found out he knew a little English, I told him that in America, the same water would be ~20 degrees hotter. Needless to say, he gave me the bug-eyed look of astonishment! Quite funny, actually, and we had a good conversation after that.
We pretty much have the day to ourselves today (Friday) until we meet at 1530 to drive to the airport. Our flight departs at 2000 and arrives in Guangzhou at 2300. I doubt we get to the hotel before 0100 or so, then get up bright and early for, I believe, the medical exam.
My last impressions of Beijing before our departure……a wonderful city with a rich history which is rapidly becoming more contemporary. I hope they are able to make a good balance of this before too much is lost, as things are modernizing here at a rapid rate. Once gone, it will be gone forever. The meticulous nature of the landscaping on the main roads is impressive, as is their cleanliness and upkeep. I suspect there is a significant dropoff to this once off the main roads. The cuisine is much different that the Americanized versions as is the whole dining experience……I think I have written about this extensively in previous emails. There are definite differences between our cultures in social experiences and expectations, but when one understands that this is the nature of unique cultures, it can be appreciated for what it is. In other words, the differences don’t have the negative connotations they would if one encountered them in the States. I am sure I am missing a great deal here but, then again, I am fully aware that writing is not something I’m overly skilled at, so my more analytical analysis will have to suffice for now. We will check back in to our email later tonight in Guangzhou. Until then, blessings to all! If anyone has any questions about China or Cameron, feel free to respond via email, as I’m sure there are a dozen other readers who have the same question and would like us to mention it. Although these emails are lengthy, I keep the computer running most of the day and add a little bit here and there to an update until I send it. When we’re out and about, I have a pen and paper and make notes about what I want to mention in my next email. These emails also allow me to keep a record that I will print off on our return to document our journey and experiences.
Angie here. Just a quick note. When they have air conditioning in their buildings they do not keep it as cold as we do in America so I have been the perfect temperature here!!!!!!!!!
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