This morning we began our tour of Beijing with our CCAI travel group. This was the morning that we would be immersed in our daughter’s culture, and when we would meet the fellow adoptive families that are on this life changing adventure with us. These people who we share a unique bond with, and who we will never forget. There are certain groups of people you meet in life, that even though your time with them is short they will always hold a special place in your heart. We also met our travel guide, who would be watching over us in Beijing and then leading us to our next destination. Geroge is his English name which we were glad to call him as we couldn’t pronounce his Chinese name. He has an infectious smile and a warm heart. He works with so many different American families, and it’s difficult for him to remember all of our names so he nicknamed us “Sticky Rice”. That way in a crowd he could yell “Sticky Rice” and we would know he was calling for us. This group, “Sticky Rice” would be one that we would stick with us and we will never forget. So sticking together we left the hotel…
Our adventure started with a bus ride to the entrance to Tianamen Square, but sadly due to the visit of our United States Secretary of Treasuary we would not be able to enter the square. In the words of George, “Your big potato is here”. So we just saw the square from a distance. Even at a distance it was amazing. The size and architecture is so different than anything else we had ever seen. It took our breath away. We then walked up to the Empire’s Palace, also known as the Forbidden City and we were left in awe.
The size of the entrance gates and the beauty of the structure is amazing, and it is hard to believe that it was built over 600 years ago, and only took a mere 14 years to construct. We stood and gazed at the immeness, and then entered through the side gates. Only the emperor would enter through the center gate.
As you enter the first courtyard, the size is just amazing. You then continue through the next gate, and the next courtyard is even larger. You wonder how it could get larger, but it does and the beautiful architecture continues. You can see the thought and detail that was put into each part of the structure. From the detailed paintings, complicated drainage system, and ramps that intentionally have angled stone to create grip. Every stone and brush stroke was not done without careful thought.
We continued through the palace admiring all of the details that had been crafted in stone, metal and wood. We learned the meaning of each statue throughout the palace, and continued to be in awe of the size and detail.
After walking through many courtyards and gates, we entered the emperor’s garden. It was a beautiful mixture of stonework, trees and plants. A beautiful oasis from the stone and wood that dominates the palace.
After leaving the garden we walked through another large gate and exited the palace. Our bodies were exhausted from the walking, and our minds proccessing all of the sights that we had taken in. But that was just part of our adventure.
Our group moved through the crowds until an opening was found for us to wait for our bus. We watched the artful dance of the Beijing drivers as they worked together to move the masses through the city. Horns were honking but no one grew mad or angry. In the states this would have turned into an outright road rage, but these drivers just kept moving.
The bus swept us up and we traveled to our next adventure. This adventure started with a rickshaw and Hutong tour through Old Beijing. Seeing parts of the city that reflected what the heart of Beijing really looked and felt like. The tour ended at a couples home in which they invited us in for lunch. We were then served amazing home cooked Chinese dishes ranging from dumplings to Chinese meatballs. It all was delicious, and we left feeling grateful for being able to experience a traditional home cooked Chinese meal.
Back on the rickshaw to the bus, but that was not the end of our day. We were then off to an official Tea House for a tea tasting ceremony. We all sat around a table and were met by a friendly Chinese women who took us through the many traditional Chinese teas. Ranging from the black tea to the fruit tea. The fruit tea was the girls favorite as it tasted like an American fruit drink. The tea house was filled with beautiful tea sets and amazing tea. We never realized that tea was like wine, and the older it is the better tasting and the more expensive it is. The tea house sold the back tea in 5 year increments. There was one disk of tea that was being sold for over $10,000 because of it’s age and type. Mind blowing, but I am sure there are bottles of wine that are similar.
Our day was filled with so many different sights and emotions. We were so grateful to be able to see Evie’s country, and to be able to experience it so deeply. It was back to the hotel to rest and prepare our bodies and hearts for the next day. We knew that that more adventure was ahead of us.
Houseful of Houghs 