Sorry for the delay in posting but yesterday was a very long day and we started early this morning. Yesterday, day 2 in Beijing, we started with a journey on the Beijing bus system. Try moving 40 adolescents on public buses in a country where you can’t read the signs. We would still be circling central Beijing if not for Kelly, Fei, and Tim, three Gould seniors who have been indispensable in helping us get around. Our destination was the famous “Dirt Market”, really a huge flea market with everything from jade to Mao. We did our part for US – China trade relations and had quite an adventure in the process.
After the Dirt Market it was back on the buses and a trip to the Temple of Heaven. This is a well known Beijing landmark where the Emperor would go to pray for a good harvest. As with all things imperial the prayers were accompanied by great ceremony, including sacrifices, music, fasting, and with any luck bountiful harvests in the next year. The architecture is magnificent, with the entire main building constructed without a single nail. Despite the cold the kids were troopers.
The day ended with a trip to the Chinese acrobats. Everyone had their personal favorites but mine was the young boy who could do handstand flips and land back on his hands. Did I mention that he was balancing on a bongo board while doing it? Well that’s all for Day 2.
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