It was much colder today, 33 degrees, and windy. By the end of the day our fingers and toes were getting cold! We are so thankful we went to the Great Wall yesterday. It wasn't nearly as clear today either, and would have been much windier and colder up in the open on the wall! BRRR!!
We first toured the Forbidden City. It was around 3/4 of a mile long from front to back and was the emperor's home and political center. There were lots of tourists there and sometimes we felt like the main attraction as we were getting our picture taken by people too!
We learned today that the color red and gold/yellow was very sacred to the emperors, and commoners were not allowed to use those colors at all or the family and the next 9 generations would be killed. Our guide for the Hutong Tour later in the day laughed and told me that included having "yellow hair!"
We then drove to the Hutong District and had a rickshaw ride and tour of the area where people still live today. Our guide for the tour was Linda and she explained that this area was how most people used to live many years ago. It is made up of mostly older folks now and is a very expensive place to live. It costs $35,000 USD for 1 square meter! We rode the rickshaws and had a tour of a family's home. Several generations or a group of families lived together. The common area in the middle was called the courtyard.
Sights along the way
Entering one of the homes
This was the common courtyard
The living/dining area
It was really interesting!! Our next stop was the Temple of Heaven. These were some of the sights along the way.
There were lots of people out playing cards and checkers at the Temple of Heaven. They often congregate in the park for exercise or just for companionship. They must not mind the cold weather!
The Temple of Heaven
Tomorrow we have a free day in the morning and then will leave for the airport at 12:30. Our flight to Nanning is at 3:05. We will be sad to tell Theresa bye! She's been a great guide!! We are so excited to be heading to Emily's province though! Only 2 more days until we see Emily! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
It sounds like you are learning much to be able to one day share with Emily. The thought that primary colors couldn't be used by commonors is such a strange concept. Pity the rickshaw driver pulling Kyle and John! Safe travels! Love ~ J
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour!! We are wondering though how the family and the next nine generations could be killed. Where did the next nine generations come from if the family was killed??? LOL!
ReplyDeleteHope your flight goes really smoothly. Can't wait to see pics of Emily!
Hi Randi! We all laughed when we read your response.....so we asked our guide your question! She said 5 of the generations were generations past. Anyone still alive was killed, and those who had already died...their graves were dug up and destroyed! The other 4 were future generations, but laughed and said "that is a very good question...where do they come from?!" So, if anyone has Theresa for their guide in Beijing, I am sure that she will have that answer figured out by then!! We loved her! :)
DeleteGlad you are having a great time! Hope all goes well with Gotcha Day!
ReplyDeleteWow, looks like you are having a great time!! We didn't go to Beijing, but maybe next time. :) Can't wait to see pictures of you and your girl!! :)
ReplyDeleteJamie Trickle
Glad you guys got there safe and are having a good time! The pictures are awesome!!!! Melissa
ReplyDeleteHey it's cole! Glad your having a great time! Hope everything goes well with the rest of your trip! Tell the boys I said hi! And I have. A question for you? How do they fit 3 ppl on 1 motorcycle? Hahaha... Bring home Emily! Be safe! Cole cable
ReplyDeleteHi Cole!!! Kyle and Seth say hello! They sometimes have 5 people on a motorcycle!! Crazy!! Can't wait for you guys to meet Emily! We meet her tomorrow!
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