Day 12: Beijing

Maggie Rowe, London, KY

August 14, 2008

Today was busy for our group. We left early in the morning for the Temple of Heaven, China's largest sacrificial temple. As we walked into the park area there were many people practiceing various arts. It was really cool to see their culture in person adn waht they like to do in their free time. Thee were people twirling ribbons, dancing, playing a form of hackie sack, and practicing Tai Chi against trees. American culture doesnt promote activitities such as that.

After the Temple of Heaven we had free time for lunch and shopping in the Pearl Market. Again we had the chance to bargain with vendors but this time they were even more persistent and forceful. The market was five stories high with dozens of vendors on each floor selling both fake and authentic items. One lady even acted like she was going to sell us her toddler and we weren't sure she was kidding.

From there we checked out of the hotel and flew to Taiyuan where we will spend the night and continue exploring rural China.

Chasta Hopkins, Rocky Mount, VA

Today I had to opportunity to tour the Temple of Heaven. At first, I wasen't sure what I was going to be seeing, but when I got there, I was in shock. First of all it was 8:00 am and there were so many people up and out. It reminded me of a family reunion without the food. There were so many people hangning out at the front entrence. Most of them were dancing and exercising ( doing Tai Chi). There were some people playing games, kicking around some hacky sacks and flying kites. I watched and took some pictures. They all looked so happy to be up early in the morning hanging out. It was almost like it was the China YMCA. I wanted to join them, but because I wasen't feeling too well, I just stood back and watched. After the tour of the temple, I made my way to the Pearl Market. : ) This place was huge! It had five levels filled with everything you could possibly imagine. From clothing, shoes, bags, jewlry to electronics. It was great. There were so many people in there trying to sell their products. I felt like a kid in the candy store. I wanted everything. It was so cheap! I bargained my way out of everything. I ended up getting so much stuff to take home to my family. I can't wait for their expressions. As I approached the third floor, the room was filled with pearls of different colors. sizes and shapes. I didn't know where to start. I finally stoped at one counter when a lady asked me if I wanted a set of pearls. Of course, I did! She was willing to sell me a set that included a necklace, earrings and a ring for $200 yuan. That is about $30 dollars in American money. I was able to talk her down to $120 yuan. She was nice. She only agreed because I was a student from the United States and it was my first time in Beijing. As I watched her make my necklace, she offered me a seat and a bottle of water. Afterwards, she handed me a business card and told me to e-mail her if I had any problems. I really enjoyed myself.