7/18 On to Beijing

We land in Beijing prior to dinner, so we walk towards the Forbidden City. The street transforms into a giant food festival, with booth after booth of authentic foods, and I cannot even guess what they might be. Many meats are threaded onto skewers and presented in large piles. The people are yelling and cooking and eating. It is very busy and the smell is horrible. Nicholas leads us as we walk single file to ensure a better pace. He heads off the street to a quieter sidewalk where I wonder what I am stepping in, and trying to clear all thoughts from my head. As we approach the Forbidden City, and I know we are close because I can see the roof tops. A man approaches us and wants me to buy his book. As I continue to say no, he continues to walk with us. He lowers the price and is very persistant. People begin to watch us as I try to ignore this man. Finally, he leaves us, just in time for others to approach us...books, maps, bicycle rides, tours...the kids are tired and hot and I am getting tired of avoiding the street people. And what a wonderful disappointment once inside...the litter and stagnant water. If we had eaten prior to our walk, I am guessing we all would have been sick. We don't stay long. A few pictures to prove that we were there, but we turn right around and head back to the hotel.

We find a little shop with air conditioning and water. The kids are happier once they are cooled off and some refreshments are had. I am thinking that this was a bad decision to come here. We will eat at the hotel, where it is clean, calm, and safe. I am disappointed in myself that I cannot embrace this culture. I hope that I can keep our spirits up for a few more days. I order pijiu with dinner and the server smiles. Dinner at the hotel is outrageously expensive...but if you want the comforts of home, then you pay more.