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October
15, 1999
Hello. This
is Todd Borgie with the journal entry for October 15th. We have just
received the cars. In fact, they came in last night and we drove them off
the big container and into Beijing. What an experience driving in China!
Driving here is kind of like paddling in a river. You just keep on
paddling and don' t make any abrupt movements, but everything is in a
constant state of motion. It's an interesting endeavor to stay clear of
vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians. This city is filled with bikers, which
is a wonderful site, and pedestrians, and cars. It's a real trick to
drive. There is a method to the madness, even though you kind of learn on
the fly.
Anyway,
about Beijing. Beijing is a beautiful city. It's very prosperous and it's
up and coming. Construction is going on everywhere. Not half finished
buildings, but buildings that are being worked on and buildings that have
just been completed. As a matter of fact, China is celebrating 50 years
of being a nation, from 1949-1999. The city is decked out! Everywhere you
look there are flowers and greenery. Of course, the national colors are
red and yellow. Every corner has them. Every porch has them. Every foyer
has them. It's truly beautiful. Everything has been repainted in
preparation for this festival.
The first
day when we were in Beijing we went to Tiananmen Square at night where
they had floats. Each province submitted a float and it gave a depiction
of what was going on in the province - farming, technology, etc.
The second
day we went to the Forbidden City, which is right across the street from
the Tiananmen Square. It is the former residence of the Emperor. During
the dynasties a common man couldn't go within the walls without being
killed. It's a marvelous structure - open and airy, and very threatening
in a sense, but very beautiful. Everything was repainted red, blue, and
many, many, colors. There is a lot of artwork going on there. It was
really a magnificent site.
The
following day we went to a summerhouse. It's no Minnesota cabin. It's
filled with trees and streams and spread out pagodas. It was really,
really relaxing and very beautiful.
Beijing,
although very polluted, is spectacular. It's hard to get over the number
of bikes that are there. It is unbelievable when you walk for a quarter
of a mile with bike racks that extend the entire way. There are 4 bikes
on each step. There are literally thousands and thousands of bicycles.
You see men and women in suits and dresses riding on bicycles. It's the
best way to get around. Beijing also has a great subway system that does
the loop around the main old city. It's just really a nice place to
visit.
Prices are
good. There are a lot of bargains to be had here still. Pearls, jade can
be bought very easily and found everywhere. For all the Americans there
are McDonald's here, although the Chinese food is wonderful. Our hosts
have laid out banquet style feasts. We have at least 6 or 7 dishes
including the famous Peking Duck. We were taught how to eat that. There
is an assortment of different kinds of fish, beef, and vegetables.
We have all
put on weight. But, now we're ready to drive. We've worked through the
evening. As a matter of fact, it was a 2:30 bedtime. We are getting up
and driving to the Wall. Actually - I was just cut off, so that will end
today's journal. Bye for now.
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