We had to wait around a bout to fly stand by to catch the next flight. they told us we had to come back in a couple hours to see if there was a flight. We had to pay for a new ONE WAY ticket ($400) whereas a normal ticket would have been around $100, maybe even cheaper. Ugh! But we finally made it, and confirmed with the people who picked us up and the two other friends we were traveling with.
So much happier to be on a flight to China. Finally.
And we were so happy to see her face!! This is Vera our trusty laid back and super sweet tour guide for Beijing.
Day 1
Day one consisted of many great things. It started by viewing the Ming Dynasty tombs. Unfortunately we didnt really get to see the tombs. They take up acres and acres of land because there are many kings buried there along with the empresses about 30 total, and only one have them has been opened. We did get to see the structure that was built for the emperor. There was a gate that you would enter, as you enter it, you are entering into "Heaven." And as you exit we are entering back to earth. Which is what you say as you pass through the gate, "I'm back!"
They are going back to the real world.
Researchers have only some of the Emperor's belongings. THey haven't even opened up his tomb yet because they dont feel that they have advanced technology to do it properly. Which is pretty respectful of China (props to them). Apparently many other riches and goods are buried with the emperor. The wealth is similar to the ancient Egyptians.
the three girls on the left are part of our group: Kyla, our tourguide Vera, and Breann
The pillars are made from pheobe wood. It is a very slow growing tree. It takes the tree at least 300 years to grow to the size you see in the photo. Another expression of vast wealth.
The top stone creature you see is the Chinese version of a unicorn.
Mr. Ming himself. He was the emperor who changed the capital of China to Beijing. Before it was further south. He was a big deal.
Marble and the color white is thought to be of noble value and only Emperors get to have all of it. So here is some beautifully sculpted marble. You will see the Phoenix (symbols for female) and a couple columns back you should see a dragon (symbol for male).
You will see in other photos, but under the marble pillars, there are these guys. They go all around the building. In layers, and they usually have holes in their mouth. They act like a drain gutter. So when it rains you will see all the dragons spitting out water. One tier after the other, i'm guessing it would actually be really beautiful to see.
Part of the roof, well the underside of it. So much detail. its very impressive.
No matter where you are, no matter how holy the place is there are vendors. Sometimes they are really pushy. This guy was at least friendly. Its very popular in china to have a glass bottle and the inside hand painted. They are everywhere, but very beautiful and some are pretty impressive. This man has been painting for many years now, he's quite the artist. He uses a super tiny brush, one that has maybe five hairs on it. The hairs make a right angle so that the brush looks like a tiny "L" shape. Then he puts water on the black circle there, and it becomes ink for him to use.
His work. For sale of course.
For more real facts of the Ming Tombs click ME
(After the tombs we went to a Jade factory. More photos to come later)
Off to the...
THE
GREAT
WALL
but first...
Why?
I dunno. There was a camel in the parking lot. I've never seen a camel in person until this trip. And i got to see 3! Im sure they had him out there so you could get a ride. But really? Youre at the Great wall, why do you need a camel ride?
See the sea of umbrellas? that was the line for the gondola that we are on.
A small part of the wall, with way to many people on it.
They only have a small area open to the public (small compared to how big the wall really is)
So some areas were a bit crowded, but it was totally worth it.
Its like slithering snake that stretches over the mountains.
We heart China (this is a super Korean thing to do)
my moment of glory
Whooo hooo!
CONQUERED!
victory shot.
Off to dinner:
Peking Duck Restaurant
THis restaurant is supposed to be super famous. Its even in this book titled 1,000 Places to see Before you Die. It was tasty, but not our best meal of the trip.
Then we went to see a play about Kung Fu. It was pretty cheesy in some parts, but overall pretty good. There were some really cool parts where about 20 guys would all do Kung Fu moves in unison. It was awesome. We thought we we would add to the photo:
The play was about a young boy who seeks to be a Zen master while mastering the art of Kung Fu.
Day one over, we slept well that night.
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