Bucket List Check-offs

Our bucket lists have been shortened already, just a few days into our trip. First, near the top of our lists, was the Great Wall of China. It was amazing and easily lived up to our expectations. Although we only had time to walk a very short section of the 5,000 mile-long Wall, we were duly impressed.

 

We marveled at the curvy ups and downs along the Wall as it followed the terrain of the ridge tops. There are steps in the steepest sections.

  

The only level spots were at the sentry towers. We chose to catch our breath in one of those.

Another bucket list check-off was visiting Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. There is a somber feeling there, almost ominous, and our tour guide enriched our experience by relating his personal experience of living through the cultural revolution. There are varying types of architecture in the buildings surrounding the square; below are examples of Asian and Russian styles.

 

We found it interesting that the building that houses Chairman Mao’s tomb was designed after the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

                               

Other sites that we visited were the Forbidden City, where the emperor lived most of the year

the Summer Palace, where the emperor escaped the heat of the city

                                  

and the Temple of Heaven, where the emperor prayed for good harvests.

                                

We had fun touring a section of old town in a rickshaw. The streets were so narrow that we had to keep our elbows inside the cart to keep them from getting bumped on a building or another vehicle!

                               

The homes in this area do not have their own bathrooms; there are communal restrooms that are shared by several families. What a different way of life for the residents of these communities.

                                

To wrap up our Beijing stay, we took a trip to the street where the night market opens every evening. Amazing Race fans may remember an episode that featured these food stands.

                                 

Here they cook and serve all kinds of delicacies, and I really do mean all kinds! I’ll whet your appetite with some of their offerings.

           

And the winner, for Most Unusual is . . .

                                    

Bon appetit!