Off to Tienamen Square and the Forbidden City this morning. Large crowds leading up to National Day and quite a walk to get there. This complex, is the largest and most intact collection of ancient structures ever built. It has golden-glazed roofs, red laquered pillars and vermillion walls. Again here, you can tell who lived here by the doors. Only the Emperor could use the number nine - and his doors have nine rows of nine gold studs. Walked through the whole compled and the group was happy to find some vacant seats towards the end. After this, and lunch, we went to the summer palace and saw the lake, long corridor etc. Most people came out laden with handbags and Rolexes. After Summer Palace we were to go to a market but because of traffic, we went straight to our Peking Duck restaurant. We arrived a little early so went to a large supermarket across the road. Lucy accompanied us through the subway. Everyone who went agreed supermarket was a most interesting experience. They got to buy some supplies. I always like to go to supermarkets in other countries. Can tell a lot about the way people live. Peking Duck dinner was very good with the chef carving the duck at our table. Learned how to wrap the duck and accompaniments into little pancakes. Arrived back at the hotel at 8.00pm. Two people have coughs and sniffles so Lucy accompanied us to a local pharmacy where she explained complaints and obtained medication - another interesting experience. Only cost a small fraction of what it would have in Australia. It's nice to have 4 nights in one hotel - can spread out a bit and don't have to have luggage ready every day.
Inside the Forbidden City
The Emperor's Door 9 x 9 gold studs
At last - a seat (almost) in the shade
