The Temple of Heaven

Well, we all made it to the top of the Great Wall....even mom. I really thought we'd turn back at the second or third rest spots, but we all kept going. Of course, Neil and I had to take turns carrying Isaac, but it really wasn't that bad. Ella did it all by herself. Our guide also went to the top. This was not the same spot we had visited in 2005. I believe there are three main tourists sections of the Great Wall. I could not remember the name of the place we visited in 2005, nor could the other family, but we all said it didn't matter. As it turned out, it was a new spot for all of us. It was a really nice day, not too sunny or hot. It was a little cool when we first started out, but the kids had to shed their layers as we climbed higher. Did you notice the Downhome magazine in Mom's hand? Did you also notice the flag was backward? That's the Newfoundland flag for those of you wondering. The other good thing is that it really wasn't that crowded.....most likely because of the upcoming national holiday.

October 1st is China's national day. This year is special as it is the 60th anniversary of the founding of the new government - The People's Republic of China. We are a bit worried about this day as it is the day we are supposed to fly home. However, we have heard that the airport will be closed that day until noon. Then we heard that it will be closed until 5!!!! I think our flight is around 4 pm. The holiday is actually about eight days long, so there are a lot of people travelling and travel into Beijing is being restricted. Our itinerary has been busy here because we cannot do anything on Wednesday and Thursday due to the big celebration on Thursday. All streets around Tiananmen Square will be closed. We are going to Tiananmen Square this afternoon. We heard that it has been decorated for the festivities. We've seen some of the preparations on TV...it looks fabulous. The city is decorated as well with giant topiary sculptures and lanterns all over the place. It's quite beautiful but not always easy to photograph from a moving van weaving in and out of traffic. I think we're getting used to it now. He who hesitates on the streets of Beijing, will never get across the road, into the next lane, out of a driveway.....just take your chances.

After the Great Wall, we went to the Jade Factory - again a different one than the one we visited in 2005. We had a very nice lunch there and bought a couple of souvenirs. We got back around 5 pm and met with the tailor for dresses and suits. Lisa got a dress, mom got a jacket, and Neil got a suit and two shirts. We were all pretty tired and just had instant noodles for dinner and then lights out for everyone.

Up early again Monday morning. Neil went to the embassy to apply for Isaac's citizenship. Around 10 am, we headed out to the Temple of Heaven. Mom, Lisa and Ella left in the first cab, The other family left second and Neil, I, Isaac and the guide left in the last cab. Lisa's cab arrived first...costing 19 RMB, we arrived second for 18 RMB and the other family arrived much later for 17 RMB. As you can see, it's a very beautiful spot. Ella is standing on a spot where you need to close your eyes and say something out loud...a wish of some sort. You are supposed to hear your voice. The Temple of Heaven is the largest city park in the world. It is a really beautiful place where many seniors hang out.....see the musicians and singers. All Beijing seniors can enter the Temple of Heaven, museums, Forbidden City, etc for free, so the Temple of Heaven is a popular place for them to meet and play cards, music, etc.

It was a very nice day...very hot. Everyone felt great, even though they had climbed all those steps the day before.