Oh yes, I know only a few of you will get that reference (look it up, Matt!). Yes, it was that kind of day. Everyone’s bucket list for a visit to China, and really, the only reason I have Beijing on the itinerary. A long ride in the can for about 2 hours to a section that’s not quite as accessible, but no way to avoid crowds anywhere, as you might imagine. Along the way, we learned of the history (and Daisy’s grandmother’s experience) of foot-binding, the stigma of her grandfather having (as a doctor) helped both sides and later being stigmatized for it and the higher education process in the country.
By the time she is done talking (but really, is she ever done?) we arrive, make the requisite potty stops, and head up to the cable car line. It’s only a 10 minute ride:
and we step out at the Mutianyu section, which was restored as recently as 1989, thanks for the financial support of a Mr. Henkel (any cooks out there recognize the name?) as well as the society for safeguarding Venice and the Great Wall. Plenty of people snapping away, and we head up to walk a bit. We have two hours, during which we could hike to the far away tower with the flag, but we elect to take our time, snap away with artsy and not-so-artsy photos. The haze is apparent in the distance, so it’s hard to capture the ragged, green peaks in the background, but here’s what we’ve got before editing, etc:
and a bit of yogic-stretching while waiting for Sonya and John:
Back in the busy, and don’tcha know – it’s time for another meal! I’m feeling fairly Debi-contrary, but since she has selected a restaurant kind of out on its own, not much choice I request something cold (hot and oily at every meal is getting to me. is it local food or just where she’s chosen?) and get these cool tofu-wrapped raw veggies. Yay! Also sample some awesome spicy cauliflower:
green beans that have carmelized with the faint taste of a browned marshmallow:
and for dessert (which I actually eat before anything else), fried (imagine that!) light crepe filled with gooey yam, that tastes more like the sesame paste inside of sesame rice balls:
Filled to the brim, we get back on the bus and head back to town. I am listening to tunes with my headphones and watching everything go by. Thinking about the trees and towns rushing past, exactly like life and everything that is thrown into that mix. My head is swimming, my eyes busy taking in input, and I am laying back against the seat so as to open my chest as much as possible. My heart wants to be open to all of it – and the physicality of doing that helps support and mirror the energetic flow. A great space to be in while it lasts.
As we get closer to town, Daisy has the driver pass through the Olympic area (land that was held for 20 years while the government bid for the games, so they could eventually build along the axis of town, on the university grounds, directly in line with Ti’ananamen Square) and we see the bird’s nest and the aquatic center. Hmmmm.
As we return to our hotel, Lance and I gracefully decline going to dinner with the group (I need a break from the group scene as well as the heavy eating) and we nap, check out massage possibilities and pack up for early morning departure. We end up having a quiet dinner at the hotel, and I’m not feeling well, so he heads out for a late night massage (the place down the block is open until 2 am!). Off to sleep (which still lasts until some time after midnight and then hourly rising).