April 7 Beijing

Cynthia threw open the curtains first thing this morning and we were blinded -- the sun was shining and casting shadows!  In Beijing!

Forbidden City seen from our window.

 After a short bus ride Jason led us into Tianamen Square, right across from the Old Railway Station, originally built for the emperor for easy access to his palace in the Forbidden City

 

Tianamen Square

 Chairman Mao

 

Magpie nest

 Barracks for the soldiers who guard the square are right in the Forbidden City.  Here they practice the flag raising ceremony

 The rooms of the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City

 One of the Throne Rooms

This young guy was counting each of the tiny steps, and was joyous when he reached the final count.

 It's nice to know the toilet rating

 Empress' bedroom

 
After lunch (the last of the rotating Chinese meals) we drove to Tianjin, the port for Beijing.  I'm not sure just what these architectural features are: decorative touches, communication devices, lifeboats?

Tianjin seemed like a manufactured city.  With miles of empty space around there are high rise buildings to house the people who live in Tianjin City.  No suburbs, no low rise apartments -- just these big honking buildings.  Must be the Chinese way.