Long Last Day

Today began with a leisurely stroll through Tiananmen Square. It had to be leisurely due to the crowds! So many groups of so many people crowding into the square. Don’t let the weather fool you….it was freezing🥶

Then the Forbidden City. No idea why I had imagined a ‘Garden of Eden’ type area with lush greenery and orchards! In reality, it was a series of beautiful temples but quite stark. It turns out that the emperor was worried about being killed by people hiding in trees, so didn’t have any planted!

There were plenty of people dressed in traditional Emperor/Empress clothes.

One of the buildings had lots of statues, including some of the Terracotta Army which I had to get a photo of, as I doubt I’ll ever see the whole collection!

Next, it was onto the Pearl market. Four floors of everything from electronics, to silks, to jewellery and a whole floor dedicated to its namesake, pearls! Two hours was just not enough time to consider what to buy and then partake in that market custom of haggling🤭 I may have returned before our flight on Sunday morning to rectify that😉

Now, the Temple of Heaven and more crazy crowds. Although you can’t go inside the temple itself, another building contains the information on how it was constructed. Unfortunately, that explanation happens to be in mandarin so can’t say that I learned too much by the pictures😂

Tea tasting next! I’m afraid I didn’t take any photos of this but we learnt a little bit about chinas national drink while we sampled ginseng, hibiscus and rose varieties. The sales lady was so good, I almost purchased some along with a filtering mug but reminded myself just in time that I’m a coffee drinker!

And finally, after having left the hotel at 8am, we returned at 6pm with an hour to get ready for the final dinner at a pecking duck restaurant. Thankfully, there was more than just duck on offer as it’s something I don’t eat….odd rule I have about not eating anything I would consider a pet!

After the food came the speeches. Much laughter to be had all round….my stomach was sore😂 Just the best time with the best people, all with a common cause of raising money for charities close to their hearts. Received my medal and certificate and feel immensely proud of our group😊 If anyone ever has the thought of doing something like this, go for it….you will not be disappointed!