The Forbidden City, Mao's body, Tianemen Square and the Great Wall!!

Hello Loved Ones - 

I have had two of the most amazing days of my life in and near Beijing.   On Thursday I went to the Forbidden Palace to see where Emperors once lived and roamed.  I was overwhelmed with the size and scope and history.  In the interior of the palace(s), only the emperor, his concubines and eunichs were allowed to stay.  There emperors would write poetry and make political decisions for his people.  These pictures of only two quick glances of the entire city.  Each one wwas equally ornate, and every shape and bit of architecture had a purpose.  Along the footbridge that you see in the picture are incense holders that were used to let people know when the emperor was around.

I also saw Tienamen Square, which was interesting but not terribly beautiful.  Of course the square is incredibly historically important, but I was sweltering in 100 degree heat.  Then I headed to the very morbid but amazing building that holds Mao's body.  He was laid out in all his glory.  I was not allowed to take pictures, but he looked like he had a good makeup artist.  At the tomb, you can lay flowers at the foot of a statue of him before you get into the room that holds his body.  Although I did not see this, apparently the flowers which accumulate by the thousands every day are collected a few times a day and resold until they've obviously withered.  What a scam!  Also, the statue of Mao was so imposing that it made the ornate thrones in the Forbidden City look humbling.  Ah dictatorial leadership!

Yesterday I went on a ten mile hike on the Great Wall of China.  I went with a youth hostel that gives semi-guided tours.  This was absolutely the best day of my life.  I was emotional, physically pushed beyond anything I've ever done before and totally satisfied with the journey.  I hiked for about four hours on parts of the wall that are less travelled.  We had to drive 2.5 hours to get there and we climbed through approximately thirty towers before reaching our final destination.  I honestly had not realized what I'd signed up for, but when I saw the first set of steep and crumbling steps up to a tower I finally understood.  For some reason I always though the Wall was like this flat, smooth thing.  However, the area we hiked was extremely mountainous, so when the hills rose, so did the wall.  There were moments when I though someone would have to carry me off the wall or call the paramedics but I actually made it!  On the hike, crab apple trees and beautiful birds surrounded us. I truly had to live in the moment.  Each step was difficult and rewarding.  When I finally got to our destination, a restaurant in the village of Simatai, I collapsed and drank three bottles of water and an iced tea, just to refuel.  I really think this was the best thing I've ever done.  Today I'm a bit sore, but I couldn't be happier.  

I will write again soon!

Love,

Christina