We set out in late afternoon. This is still Korea. (On the way to the airport.)
After checking in, we passed the time by snacking and fiddling with our cameras.
I was just playing with the settings.
Again, playing with the settings. Mary is being kind enough to model for me.
Playing with the camera: no. 126.
......and no. 127.
Rachel, Anne, and Mary.
.....still at the airport.
My first view of China.
Photo wars while on the bus to the hostel.
Breakfast at the hostel was around five dollars. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet of the best breakfast food that I've had in 11 months.
Mary and I ready to set off. Just practicing with our cameras (in the women's restroom).
And Don comes to join the fun. (Still in the women's restroom.)
This was taken just outside of the hostel.
Don, Rachel, and Carina planning the first day of excitement.
Again, taken from the hostel.
Mary posing by a red door. No historical significance that I know of, just a pretty red color.
Mary with red door. Photo 2.
The vehicle on the left can only seat the driver and one passenger. However, they are still quite popular.
Note the restaurant just left of the center. Chinese restaurants look the same in China as they do in the US!
Just the view inside a paint shop. The weather was horribly hot and most people didn't have AC, so they retreated indoors.
Men have no qualms about taking off their shirts when they get hot. They also sometimes tuck the sides of their shirts up underneath their armpit to expose their bellies.
Man sweeping.
Everything was rather rundown. However, there were potted plants everywhere. I really appreciated the balsam, ferns, and other plants that sometimes accented the street.
One of the many shops that preys on suckers.
Rickshaws were numerous.
So many of the signs had a Westerner in the ads.
Empty rickshaw.
Beijing smells of delicious foods, tired people, and dust.
I didn't try the duck, but I couldn't stop looking at it when i walked by.
Rachel's friend, Rongbin, was exceedingly kind (and patient) and showed us around the city. They met at University. He will return to the States in August to get his Master's.
"Yes. You must come and buy!"
I really liked this guy. The blue of the shirt jumped out at me for some reason.
Somebody's pet.
She really demonstrates how most everyone felt. Hot and tired. The humidity was terrible.
Zoom in on the baby's forehead. This was taken on the way to Tienanmen Square.
Across the street from Tienanmen.
Don checking a photo. He's got the digital Rebel (the camera I long to own.)
Someone flying a kite in Tienanmen Square.
A very happy Mary.
Don and his wonderful camera.
Outside the Forbidden City.
Outside of the Forbidden City.
The ticket book at the Forbidden City.
Still waiting for our tickets.
Just inside the Forbidden City.
Quasi-artistic shot of garbage in the Forbidden City.
Yes, I was really there.
Rongbin at the Forbidden City.
One of my favorite pictures.
Rongbin, Rachel, Carina, and Mary.
No driving in the Forbidden City!
This picture was taken to remind to write something. At the Forbidden City, the ground is pretty uneven. It's almost impossible to walk without looking down. This was done to keep the servants humble.
The different colors of the different guards.
Huge drums for water (in case of fire) lined the palace.
photo.........NINJA! Surprise Rongbin!
There was massive construction going on all over the city for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
More construction.
This is one of my favorites. It's a smoggy city, but I kinda like the effect here.
Another one of my favorites.
A female lion. You can tell because underneath her paw is a baby lion.
A mother's tender touch.
Her expression captured the moment: a hot, muggy day.
It just kept on going and going.
Random bird.
Two trees growing together. A symbol for love.
The sun in the smoggy sky.
Rickshaw races!
Rickshaw races continued.
Mary being shocked and amazed!
The dreaded fist-shake.
On the way to the Wall!
Stopped for gas and to stretch.
The ride up to the wall.
On the way to the wall.
Anne, Don, and Rachel
On the way up.
It was hot, but there were still flowers.
Let the photo op begin!
Mary and Carina took the high road.
Zoomed in on the high road.
An amazing view! Really amazing!!
Some of the wall was in really good condition. However, a lot was falling into disrepair. There were parts that were quite a tough climb.
Mary and Carina.
A view from the top.
I want to thank Chris H. for the recommendation about the wall. If you get a chance, visit Simitai. (but I may have buggered the spelling)
Silhouette. Part One.
Part Two.
Part Three.
Carina, Mary, Don, and the two women who were terribly helpful.
Chinese graffiti.
More graffiti.
Here's a part that has fallen into disrepair.
Danger: Stay Away!
