We had our first day of touring today - after breakfast, we took the day tour of Beijing, starting with Teijamin or Tei'amin or... well, the big square. And it is a big square. Lots and lots of tourists, but almost all were Chinese tourists. Guess there are a lot of Chinese people...
After the Square, we went to the Forbidden City, which isn't so forbidden anymore. It's located across a busy street (see reference to "a lot Chinese people" above - that also equates to a lot of traffic!) from the Square. Anyway, the Forbidden City is where the emperor lived with his retinue and up to 3,000 concubines. Lots and lots of Chinese tourists again. All the concubines are gone, which is a shame, although I suppose there are enough tourists as it is.
After lunch, we went for a rickshaw ride - now that's a tough way to make a living! Then to a silk factory so our tour guide could get a kickback if anyone paid $10,000 for a silk rug. I wanted to buy one, but Susan said that if the Cin either puked or pooped on it, it would be the end of her. So, no rug for us and no kickback for the guide.
Tonight, Susan is meeting with some woman who sells pearls - at least there won't be a kickback, unless Karen Arbit (who told Susan about this woman) wants one. Sort of doubt it!
Tomorrow, the Great Wall!
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