Thursday-free day

Today Ed and I had breakfast with another family that came in early.  Then we were off on our own to do some sightseeing.  We found the mall, pretty much the same as back home, only much much bigger.  Then we went to Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City.  We didn't go all the way in because you have to pay and we are going with the group tomorrow.  It's very interesting to see.  It's very long, but really the interior is just a city of walls.  I know once we see the emperor's castle, there will be more.  We saw part of it when it was on tour in Dallas a few years ago.  We did see the guards doing formation, which was cool.  Ed took a picture, but so did a lot of people.  You're not supposed to take photos of the military, but I think these guys are more for show. We walked around quite a bit today, and managed to make a couple of purchases.  A scarf for me, because it's so incredibly cold here especially with the wind.  We also bought a scroll that we had made of our names in Chinese.  Kinda corny, but it's neat.  Tommorow we meet with the group and go to Tianamen Square, the Forbidden City, lunch, and an acrobat show.  I have to post photos separetly for some reason, so photos to follow.

 

Ang