November 20, 2014
Beijing, China
Cold Hazy (or is it Smog?)
So instead of taking Thanksgiving off, I've decided to do a long weekend in China (this will be the third year in a row that I am missing Thanksgiving!). Given I will only have 5 days, decided to do Beijing and Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors which is on my bucketlist.
Arrived in hazy (smoggy? but not sure as my eyes weren't hurting) around noon. First impression, everything is over the top! Huge airport but very efficient. My wonderful tour guide from my favorite travel agent Trails of Indochina, Lily greeted me and whisked me away efficiently to our first tour – The Summer Palace. The Palace was a romping ground for the Emperors and Empresses to escape the oppressive heat of Beijing. I've seen photos of it, but you've got to see it in person to feel the grandness and beauty. I only saw the highlights (spent 2 hours) but one can easily spend a whole day. The entire landscape is a Chinese painting coming to life.
I visited it on an early winter day but would love to go back in the spring to see all the flowers (especially the peonies) in bloom. Although Empress Cixi (Empress Dragon) spent monies earmarked for the Navy on the Palace which resulted in tragic consequences in China, she did leave an incredible masterpiece which is a testament to China's rich history in art and landscaping. It's a must see when in Beijing.
Leaving Japan
Is it a dog, a unicorn or a dragon?
The Looooong Corridor
Marble Boat
This lake was man made!