Our last day in Beijing
Back to the Silk market was the agenda for this morning, some hardcore shopping followed then back to the hotel for checkout and the beginning of the true fun. Our Taxi driver to the hostel was officially a lunatic, who we were convinced (well i was) had no idea where he was going. ‘What the hell ddi Dragon write down for us to give to him’ was going thru my head, but sure enough Dragon came thru for us and we got there.
Our bicycle tour of the city hit a slight hitch, no bicycles! So we proceeded on foot. Turned out ot be a blessing in disguise though, as upon Wandering into Jongshan park were were presented with throngs of people throughout the park all playing instruments, singing, even ballroom dancing. I felt as though i had been let in on some ancient Chinese secret, as there were few other westerners around. We concluded that as the Chinese dont really have anywhere to meet up (dont really have very big houses do they)they must use these parks at the weekend as a place to unwind and enjoy themselves (and good on them!).
The taxi back to the hostel was even better though, a female taxi driver, our first in china, who i think had actually broken free from a mental institution, and looked nothing like her licence. She spent the whole juorney shouting ‘OTEL, OTEL’all in all a great ride.
Giz left me and Sarah tonight, and it was really strange to see her go, as i had got used to her company and her guidance! With only me and sarah, how would we survive???
Well we actually did really well thank you very much, taking in the temple of heaven ( nice place to stroll around, however i preferred the summer palace (oh yeah completely forgot to mention we went there on our second day in Beijing along with the Lama temple. In short, visit the summer Palace, its a fascinating garden and well worth a wander around, whcich the Emperor and his women used to escape and relax). Until the tube line there is finished its still a bit of a trek.
Sarah’s yoghurt
It did make me think though that Beijing is gonna have to get its act together for the olympics, or else there is gonna be serious problems.The taxi drivers don’t speak any english, the bus drivers likewise, the people are generally unfriendly and the merto doesn’t stop at several of the main tourist attractions, or even the airport. Although they are making tons of renovations, there is till a long way to go.
The final evening in China was a real triumph for me and Sarah. We trounced the streets near our hostel looking for somewhere to eat, and eventually, after looking in several places and making a bit of an ass of ourselves, we came across a gem of a place, and had one of the best meals yet ( i know i’ve been saying that every meal time guys!) We were the only non chinese in the restaurant and everyone was staring at us, but they were really friendly and the women next to us even saw what we were eating and asked for the same. It was a fitting way to finish in China.
