China 2017

Is what the itinerary says. My fellow traveller has defined it as a route march around all parts of Beijing.

We start off heading in the correct direction, feeling a lot calmer without a guide being able to see and stop and nose down alleyways and courtyards at our convenience. The tranquility lasts only as long as we are heading in a straight line. As soon as a change of direction is required we become involved in “discussions” about which way is west and which direction we should be headed anyway. At one point a safe distance is maintained by me hiding behind the eyepiece of my camera taking pictures.

At an intersection of two roads at the north end of the Forbidden City overlooking the moat there are about four couples in wedding attire with accompanying photographers and assistants. The grander brides also have attendants wielding reflectors and baffles to assist in capturing the perfect picture. One old lady, in the midst of all this activity is sleeping.

We continue on towards our quest, Beihai Park which David told us yesterday was his favourite park in Beijing. We find our way there with little dispute now, and pass through a lane with a selection of retail outlets on either side selling a multitude of edible items including partially incubated duck eggs and a lot more besides that I was unable to identify. It is a very busy and noisy area with the vendors shouting any passing customers all the while.

We get to the park and pay our entrance fee and passing though the gate the view opens up to reveal a large lake with blossoming trees all around, and weeping willows at the waters edge bringing to mind the willow pattern used on porcelain. Over a bridge there is an island, we walk across and around the island reaching the exit on the other side about an hour later. There is a heady scent of lilac and cherry blossom in the air. Before we leave my companion makes a visit to the powder room and encounters an elderly gentleman who starts chatting to her. Unable to understand she uses the extent of her Chinese saying “Ni hao” (how are you). He seems ecstatic and takes her by the hand leading her along the path to the toilet. On reflection we believe he may have been trying to show her the white structure on the hilltop above the washroom. 

Nearer the exit now my companion is intercepted by two gentlemen who have a desire to have their selfies taken with her. Much hilarity follows. I watch on from the other side of the exit gate. The guard at the entrance appears concerned and motions me toward the entrance again. I decline and wander out.

Back on the city streets now we are making our way along a road populated on both sides by government offices and official buildings, some with soldiers guarding the gates. I see one imposing building and ask the soldier, using sign language, if I can take a picture. He nods and ushers some in through the gate. The building was the library of ancient works.

Onward now to another busy retail area, and it has been some time since we have left the park. My fellow traveller, without saying anything, is giving off signals that she is not 100% certain that we are going in the correct direction. These signals include, looking around for landmarks, road signs and then attempting to compare them to the map in her hand. I am certain that we are heading in the correct direction and proceed without discussion. At an intersection there is a man with his large tool box mending bicycles.

His primary tool seems to be a large hammer which he uses to bash parts of a ladies bicycle into submission.

We are now approaching the subway station, and the afternoons adventures will be next