Bob and Ann in Elder Hostel China Odyssey 2004

Dr Gui

This morning’s lecture on China: "Land, People and Way of Life" was good background, but could have been more succinct for what was actually covered. Dr. Xiangting Guo of Hebei University was reasonably articulate and patient with questions. His style of lecturing was perhaps what could be expected from Chinese Schools. He even started with an April Fools joke.

Forbidden City

After lunch at the Hotel we bussed back to central Beijing for a tour of the Forbidden City. It was another chilly day with wind blasting through the openings from the North and almost knocking us off our feet. The City is awesome with huge ornately embellished pavilions surrounded by broad stone courtyards, a 30 meter moat, long vistas from courtyards through arched gates and ornate doorways are stunning. The stonework is elegant. Toward the end of our tour we gathered to use the facilities just outside Starbucks Coffee shop! Not a welcome sight. Beyond that we saw another 9 dragon screen and visited an Imperial Museum featuring elaborate gold articles. See today's slide show for shots of the artwork on the ceiling of the building and some gorgeous blue enameled pictures overlaid with gold worked scenes.

Beggars discovered us on the way back to the bus. They are not as aggressive as the vendors but just as persistent following us all the way down the street to the bus and then stationing themselves on either side of the door hands and pails extended. They are really sad.

Bob on Stage

Dinner was a blast because Huadu was celebrating Shandu Festival this month, a typical spring festival. The gala event included a dinner show, music, dancing gymnastics, but the highlight was a magic show in which Bob was chosen from the floor to participate. He did very well in an act of disappearing knots and jackets. He was rewarded with an ornate chord symbolizing friendship, Yang says. The rest of us were given smaller gifts.

Please visit today's slide show.