Beijing in the Fall? Well since the Wendling's had never been there the time of year really didn't matter. What mattered was trying to see all of the wonders and sites in Beijing, including: the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Bird's Nest (Olympic Stadium) and anything else we could fit in.
One of the most interesting places in Beijing is in the centre of the City - Tiananmen Square. Pictured above are the Wendling girls in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City which is across the street from Tiananmen Square.
The Forbidden City was the home to all the Emperors of China until the early 20th century. It is called the Forbidden City as only the Emperor, his family and servants were allowed to enter and live within the City. More will be written about the Forbidden City later.
Across the street is Tiananmen Square which is surrounded by a number of notable attractions which include, the National Museum, (pictured above),
The Great Hall of the People, (pictured above)
Mao's Mausoleum, (pictured above)
Monument to the People's Heroes, (pictured above)
During our time in China a situation kept reoccurring. At times in Asia we have been stopped by people who want to take pictures of our family. It seems that a family with 5 daughters is a little out of the ordinary. However, in China it took on a new level. In fact, one day we were stopped by a family to take pictures, which was followed by another family, than another; 10 minutes later people were still taking pictures and we had a become another attraction.
Other times older people on the bus or subway would look at our family and then look towards Kevin or Rosanne and put up 5 fingers - at which point they would nod - usually they would smile and give us the thumbs up sign.
During the Summer of 2008 Beijing hosted the Olympic games, in fact we remember that occassion well as it was within the first few months of living in Korea. Above and below you will find two of the sites for the Olympics, the Stadium, aka. the Bird's Nest, and the Aquatic Center. Both places are quite beautiful and unique and a must see in the evening hours, due to unique lighting and architecture.
On another day in Beijing the Wendling Family went to the Summer Palace. The Palace is known as the primary home for Empress Dowager Cixi, (funny thing is that in two places on Earth - Beijing and Vienna there was a ruler name Cici or (Cixi) who had a powerful affect on the culture during times dominated by male rulers).
Pictured below are the future rulers of the Wendling Family posing for the Royal Portrait.
The Summer Palace was a beautiful and peaceful place and it is easy to see why Empress Cixi spent as much time as possible here. As well, there were influences of well over 500 years at the Summer Palace including a Pagoda, Buddhist Temple, and the Gold Mountain Palace.
In all the Summer Palace was a place of history and natural beauty and it is a popular place for tourists and residents of Beijing.
Another day the Wendling Family spent time in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the Imperial Home to the Emperor, his family and his servants during both the Ming and Qing Dynasty. Justine is pictured below in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City.
By far the most beautiful part of the Forbidden City is the private gardens of the Emperor. Kevin and Rosanne are picture by one of the "specially created trees" which were seen as both nature and art. The trees are unique in that early on in its development the trunk and/or root system would be cut in order to create a unique shape. Then, if determined acceptable, it would be transplanted to the Emperor's garden.
Below, the Wendling girls are showing what the water pots were not intended to be used for. In fact, the large water pots were placed outside of building in case a fire started. The water would be used to put out a fire, and hopefully save a building. (Not for cooking the youngest sibling.)
In Beijing the Wendling Family had many opportunities to see cultural, artistic and architectural sites. The Chinese culture is far from being a simple and easily understood phenomenon due to the number of influences and long history. Rather, over time the Wendling's are discovering that the Japanese, Korean and Chinese cultures have many similarities -- yet all of these cultures, and in particular the Chinese culture, are very diverse and exciting.
In a way that is similar to realizing that someone from Vancouver is different from someone in St. John's who is different from someone in Timmins. So remember that next time you try a new "Chinese restaurant" and expect that all food will be the same.
Well, that's all we have for you this time. Stay tuned as our adventure will be continuing.
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