Riding the Metro In Beijing (Part 2)

A very nice woman and her son started up a conversation shortly before arriving at the Summer Palace stop. They, too, were on a holiday. I love watching mothers with their sons. The fact that a mother can have only one child if the firstborn is a son makes them such an adored prize. Sam, don't worry, you are an adored prize!! ( If the firstborn is a daughter, parents may try for a second child.) This mother made sure her son's backpack was arranged comfortably on his shoulders, and as soon as we got outside, she put a yellow cap on his head and some clip on sun glasses over his glasses. I'd say he was around 11 years old.


Anyway, there were crowds everywhere and vendors hawking touristy items. Lots of food on a stick, rolled up pancakes with an egg, sweet potatoes and lots of drinks. Entering the main gate to the Palace, I saw four long lines waiting to buy entrance tickets. Oh boy...

Then, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a smiling young man who asked, "Where are you from? Do you need a guide?' For 180 RMB his girlfriend would give me a personal guided tour. Considering the alternative, I said, "O.K." At first, Jeeny was very quiet, and I briefly wished I had brought along my counterfeit RBM's! However, as our walk continued, she became more confident. She is a student at a university in Beijing and she and her boyfriend give tours to make money during their summer holiday. I would never have wandered through the maze of the palace or seen as many things without her.

Of special note was the Temple of Wisdom which, on its surface, is covered with 1111 small budhas. Remember the #1 stands for power. During the mass student protest in 1989, all of these budha heads were destroyed. Today, the newer looking heads on ancient bodies are evidence of restoration.

Jeeny also told me about the Dragon Queen. She was in power when Chairman Mao assumed power in China. Although she had a son, she loved to rule, and he never became emperor. (Reminds me a bit of Queen Elizabeth!) During her reign she had a huge marble ship built in one of the lagoons. The water surrounding the ship represents the common people. Under normal conditions, rough waters can overturn a ship, however this marble ship will never be overturned! The Dragon Queen ruled China for 50 years.

Beyond the main entrance is a lovely bridge covering a lagoon. The emperor loved the city of Suzhou, but as his mother was ill, he could not visit there as often as he liked. So, he had a replica of this city created on the Summer Palace grounds.

A beautiful cloisonné exhibit houses some of the intricately designed urns, and jewelry of the period. Lots of winding paths, large rock formations and beautifully painted buildings. I bought an Empress bracelet!

And then it was time to pay up and say good bye. I made it back to Line 4 and, retraced my route! But, I didn't go directly back to Novotel...
Line 1 also stops at the Silk Market, , Beijing's most famous, indoor market where bargaining is the name of the game!

Yi huier jian!
Joan



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Location:The Summer Palace