Water Cube - Olympic Swimming Site. Tens of thousands of Chinese were milling about the Olympic Promenade (between Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube). While many Olympic cities have struggled with facilities post Games, the Chinese have opened up the Water Cube and the Bird's Nest as tourist sites. My guess is that tens of millions of Chinese will pay approximately $7 to see each of these sites. Throw in an occasional U2 concert, and you've got a profitable enterprise.
The Great Wall. As impressive a structure as I've ever seen. Literally built on ridge lines. It's rumored a person or two may have perished during its' construction. Would have really enjoyed an opportunity to hike along it for a few days (or weeks). I visited the section typically listed 2nd in guide books, Mutianyu. With the help of my good friend and former Peace Corps Volunteer, Scott Urbom (along with his youngest daughter, and his car), we made our way to the cable car that whisked us to the ridge line, and the Wall. Hope you enjoy the photos.
Tiananmen Square - The world's largest public square, but a bit different than I had imagined. Not enclosed like Red Square in Moscow, but open, flanked by government buildings on a couple of sides, and the Forbidden City to the north (or at least I think that is the direction). Difficult to stand there and not imagine what took place 20 years ago. Impressive security contingent.
Chairman Mao Mausoleum - Had hoped to get a peek (would have then been able to claim seeing Lenin and Mao in their final resting places), but his tomb was closed for maintenance, or something like that. Definitely a missed opportunity to view the man Chinese now openly say was 70% right, and 30% wrong.
Forbidden City - Hired a guide, and spent 3 hours exploring. Guide seemed a little focused on where concubines lived and worked, but managed to share volumes of history about these magnificent imperial grounds. Although I'll need to reference history and guide books to recall my tour, certainly a privilege to explore grounds that were off limits to Chinese for 500 years (hence, the name). As a parting shot, good to know kickbacks, and making a buck off of history and family connections still alive and well in Beijing. My guide managed to take me "off the beaten path" to a courtyard where tea was served. I then got to meet a nephew of the last emperor. As chance would have it, he's a renowned scroll artist. For the sum of $100-$200 I would be allowed to purchase one of his scrolls. Can you believe I passed on this opportunity?
Parting shot, the Bird's Nest. I did pay $7 to go inside. Well worth it. Allowed to walk on the track and field surface with highlights of the Olympics playing on the large screens. What was undeniably obvious in the faces of the Chinese on the field with me, was the pride they had for this stadium, the Olympic games, this city, and their country.
