February 27 - Beijing Part 2

I did not go on a tour today but wanted to add a few items to yesterday’s post.

My ability to take pictures is not that great. I say this after seeing the shots others on the tour shared. Attached is my attempt to take a selfie at the base of the steps. Notice the concentrated look on my face. Good for laughs!!!

Before we went on yesterday’s tour we were warned about the primitive restrooms in some areas. Our tour guide mentioned it again on the bus. Seems that many areas have only “squatting” rooms. These facilities will have ONE handicapped stall with a seat but there are hundreds of people in line to use it. There is no warm water and little hand soap for washing. Each time we returned to the bus we were given moist towelettes.

Did you know that China inventions include the compass, paper, gunpowder, printing, fireworks and ice cream? Did you know that Kublai Khan built what is present day Beijing in 1272?

Since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, Beijing has evolved and expanded dramatically. High-tech industrial parks have created China’s own Silicon Valley, the metro has expanded, and vast housing projects have been introduced on the outskirts of the city. Where people used to be walk to school and to places to shop, now they live far outside the city center and must drive. To alleviate congestion during the 2008 Olympics cars with certain license numbers could only drive on certain days. It worked so well that the mandate continues. You will be fined $200 every time your car is caught on photo polls. So, many budget at least $400 a day ($200 each way) to drive to work when it is not their day.

Beijing has a sprawling feel that is very different to the crowded nature of Hong Kong or Shanghai. However, shops are clustered, so you don’t have to travel the entire city to get what you want.

I am attaching another photo with a view of the Great Wall. Tomorrow we are at sea as we travel to Kitakyushu, Japan.