Beijing Delights

This just in from Martha Whittington:

"Today we walked and walked and walked. Tiananmen Square was our first trek, the largest gathering square in the world. Tomorrow it is back to work and school for many of the Beijing folk after a long holiday, so the crowds were small and we breezed right across the Square into the Forbidden City. Until only a hundred years ago the Forbidden City was only accessible to the Emperor and his chosen people. Now it is a most spectacular monument to past dynasties, enjoyed by all from near and far.


Lunch noodles were consumed hungrily and fortified us for another walk and subway ride to the Silk Market—a prime shopping experience! Imagine the Gould students talking a seasoned shopkeeper down in price for all sorts of things, from Northfake clothing to special silk items. Robes were popular purchases, as were sets of chopsticks. Many wanted more time although some were tired of the constant attention and pressure to buy.

After shopping, it was back to downtown for a hotpot dinner and a trip through the night market. Imagine every scary creature from your childhood nightmares, on display and yours for the asking, to eat. That was enough to send us off to bed, with one last pass around the Square on the way “home.”

Tomorrow is our last day in Beijing before heading off to our host schools."