Sunday, May 20, 2012
Despite
our extensive sightseeing trip in the city yesterday, we were all eager for our
excursion to the suburbs today. The Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13
Ming emperors, Sacred Way, a series of courtyards and stone animals leading up
to the main gate, and the Great Wall were on our list of must-see sights before
leaving Beijing. Today we had reservations with a tour guide company to help us
reach all of our destinations and to add some Chinese cultural knowledge to the
experience. Little did we know we would view the business of China’s tourist
dollar first hand! Our first stop was to a renovated jade factory for a five
minute lesson on how to distinguish the “finest jade” and then ushered into a
well-stocked show room filled with cases of, of course, jade. As the
attractions today were a distance from the city, we were conveniently taken to
a large, local restaurant following the tours of the Ming Tombs and Sacred Way.
We pulled into a parking lot packed with dozens of 20 or more passenger vans
and buses and were again educated on Chinese pottery before being directed
through another store on our way to the table for lunch.
The
Great Wall was our final stop of the day. It was unsurprisingly magnificent. The
appearance of the wall snaking throughout the mountainous scenery was not only
breathtaking, but unbelievable. I found it difficult to not be distracted by
the beauty without tripping on the brick and stone. Ironically, the local
Chinese tourists also found it difficult to not be distracted by a group of
Americans! Some of us were asked to take pictures, while others were awkwardly
stared at followed by whispers of excitement.
To sum
up my touring experience of all the main attractions in Beijing, I must say I
have learned one good lesson. If at all possible when using the public
restroom, look for a handicapped stall, as the toilets are physically located
in the ground!
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