In Beijing, as in Hong Kong, people frequently bring their birds outside for some fresh air. Nothing warms my little heart like hearing Ginger when she spots them. She says, "Oh! Momma! Toot-toots! (Tweet-tweets)"
We had some great weather while in Beijing, and the most beautiful came on the day we visited Jingshan Park. We couldn't have been happier because it is the best place to view the Forbidden City in its entirety, just across the street to the north. Of course there is a small price to pay. You have to first climb the hill. In the HEAT!
This hill is actually an artificial hill, created by the soil displaced when they dug the moats & canals around the Forbidden City. Pretty cool!
Naomi struck up a conversation with this little girl in Mandarin. I had to bribe her at first, but was really happy I did. She got over her shyness quickly and they had fun playing together. We discovered that they are the same age, with birthdays are just 2 weeks apart:)
After the park we decided to give our feet a rest and take a hutong tour in a rickshaw. The hutongs are narrow alleys and streets which connect courtyards and residences, creating the traditional neighborhoods in Beijing. Some were built as long ago as the 13th century. I was seriously impressed that our guide could fit through the twists and turns with only an inch to spare sometimes!
Next we went for a little paddle boat ride. The girls loved it!
In the center of the lake was this small island with its own "muscle beach." It was a little bizarre.
As evening approached we set out for the Temple of Heaven. Sadly, they closed the inner areas of the temple, but we thoroughly enjoyed the outer parks. It was such a gorgeous evening and the atmosphere was spectacular.
Just as we arrived we found a woman selling ribbons. I love watching ribbon dancers! Done deal! We (meaning mostly the girls) danced the day away! It was tons of fun.
As a kid I ALWAYS wanted to take one of those old west photos where you dress up. So when Naomi asked, I obliged. (Sadly, Ginger was mid-meltdown so she kinda missed her chance.)
The empress at the Temple of Heaven
As our day came to a close we listened to some musicians and just took it all in! We really had a ball in Beijing.
Lindsay, you are so talented with the camera! Gorgeous pictures!
ReplyDeleteI love Gigi's bun, too!