beijing and opulence

Ok, so arrive in beijing an hour and 1\2 late.
It is a massive airport. A sign being held by a skinny, frazzled chinese man says our names.
We are ushered over to a corner to wait for others, assuming there will be many other
Ppl on the tour. We wait in 87degree heat. Finally an elderly chinese man and their young grandson arrive.
Turns out they are americans from oklahoma. We board an a\c bus and head for the hotel.
OMG!
You have to see this hotel! Huge lobby with lots of glass, flowers and pottery.
Olympic size pool, bowling alley, big disco, sauna, gym, gift shop, several restaurants,and beauty parlor and spa!
Part of the tour, I didn't pick it. 5star is anyones guess in beijing.
Ate dinner @ 7:30 in the hotel dining room. Food wasn't the best, we did enjoy taling to the oklahoma family.
Particularly the grandfather, attended shanghai med school and was around for chairman mao time.
Great story teller. China as you might know hqas a marvelous fascinating history.
After dinner we fell into a good sleep til 6. This is a 5 star hotel and the twin beds are rock hard. The
Chinese don't go for soft fluffy beds. No bounce or give at all.
Strangely enough, we both slept well.

Up for breakfast, what an interesting one it was. Western and eastern mixed into one.
Dim sum and cereal, fruit,bok choy, chinese cabbage, coffee, toast with jam, HB eggs
Noodles and other stuff I can't remember.
Our first stop was the summer palace. Beijing is not as densely populated, there aren't any skyscrapers and
It seems more subdued and the drivers aren't daredevils.
Near our hotel are many universities.
Longevity mountain and summer palace. Temp arond 80f today.
Left that area to see forbidden city, hell of a place to see.
Spent 4 hours walking the area, beautiful temples.
Walked to tienemans square, saw mao's tomb, picture of mao, and govt bldgs.
Then went for famous peking duck. Big restaurant, lazy susan and delicious food.
Plate of frsh fruit for dessert and out.
To another part of beijing for a rickshaw ride. Everytime the man ground his gears
Carly and I thought we would break the bike.
We then were introduced to a beijing family who invited us into their home to tour their home and ask any questions.
Income for them and helpful for the tour company.
Back into the bus to see kids perform in an acrobatic show tumbling, juggling and balancing things on their chins.
Costumes were colorful and bright,
After that we had a lovely chinese dinner near our hotel.
Tomorrow we see and walk the great wall! Can't wait!
To be cont.