Bob and Ann in Elder Hostel China Odyssey 2004

Ann on the River Walk

Before we met the Elder Hostel group at 2:30 we took a morning walk around the area by the Huadu. Failing in our attempt to have a nice walk by the river when the water became very scuzzy and the shore unfriendly, we stopped at the River Cafe on the way back and had coffees and Danish/muffins. After a pit stop at the Huadu we explored the other side of the street where we found a flea market type shopping mall and farther on the very upscale Shopping Center of the Lufthansa. In a German Brew Pub to which we were drawn by the wonderful malt smell we sampled brew and ordered a German meal for lunch.

We met the Elder Hostel group for an orientation with Yang and Jackie. After receiving our gold baseball caps and x large Elder Hostel sweatshirts we boarded a bus for Tian’imen Square. On the bus ride Yang provided background and details of the square and pointed out the huge 5 star hotels along the way. We trundled off the bus bundled for the cooler, breezier weather. The air was thick with particulates, some from blown sand from the Gobi. In the huge square were some tourists, some Chinese and a band of very aggressive vendors who refused to take no for an answer and followed on the entire walk hawking postcards, books of pictures, kites, hats and cheap souvenirs. Bob finally offered to sell his Elder Hostel cap to the first vender who would buy it for $5, which entertained them but did not discourage them in the least. Yang carried on with his lecture with difficulty - the side show was very distracting - and we returned to the bus after 30 minutes. Since it was really cold we did not mind heading back to the Hotel for an early Chinese dinner selected for us by Y & J. Quite a good meal and a nice opportunity to learn about other group members around tables of 8. Up to bed by 8:30.

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