Tai Chi and Botanical Gardens
Pictures: Craig's (see the last pics in the set)
First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mary! Unfortunately, no cake could be had for a proper celebration...instead we did as Matt suggested, waking up bright and early (5:30) for a visit to the Temple of Heaven. This time, it was a different atmosphere; surely we were the youngest in the park by a margin of at least 30 years. Everybody was partaking in some sort of activity, such as Tai Chi, fan performances, dancing, jogging, sword practice, stretching, hacky sack like games, badminton, tennis (with no nets), back scratching on trees, coughing up phlegm, blowing noses (minus tissue), yelling to exercise the vocal chords, playing cards, and every other imaginable 'hobby'. It was quite surreal; much like a giant retirement home where activities are organized for its inhabitants - but these were all voluntary and it was refreshing for us to see such conscious efforts to stay fit. We felt a tad out of place and a little like we were encroaching on these peoples' morning escape from the busy bustle of Beijing. But we stayed long enough to get a good feel for this daily routine (without joining in as Matt had the courage to do), until tour groups began showing up and hawkers started trying to sell us more of the same post cards.
Pictures: Craig's / Mary's
Later in the day, we grabbed a cab to the Botanical Gardens of China to see what it had to offer. It was much like other parks with the standard temple, but more flowers and a greenhouse. Not terribly exciting, but nice to get fresh air outside of central Beijing's smog blanket.
First, a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mary! Unfortunately, no cake could be had for a proper celebration...instead we did as Matt suggested, waking up bright and early (5:30) for a visit to the Temple of Heaven. This time, it was a different atmosphere; surely we were the youngest in the park by a margin of at least 30 years. Everybody was partaking in some sort of activity, such as Tai Chi, fan performances, dancing, jogging, sword practice, stretching, hacky sack like games, badminton, tennis (with no nets), back scratching on trees, coughing up phlegm, blowing noses (minus tissue), yelling to exercise the vocal chords, playing cards, and every other imaginable 'hobby'. It was quite surreal; much like a giant retirement home where activities are organized for its inhabitants - but these were all voluntary and it was refreshing for us to see such conscious efforts to stay fit. We felt a tad out of place and a little like we were encroaching on these peoples' morning escape from the busy bustle of Beijing. But we stayed long enough to get a good feel for this daily routine (without joining in as Matt had the courage to do), until tour groups began showing up and hawkers started trying to sell us more of the same post cards.
Pictures: Craig's / Mary's
Later in the day, we grabbed a cab to the Botanical Gardens of China to see what it had to offer. It was much like other parks with the standard temple, but more flowers and a greenhouse. Not terribly exciting, but nice to get fresh air outside of central Beijing's smog blanket.
posted by Unknown | 11:30 AM
2 Comments:
Hi! I can see you guys are having such a great time there. The pictures are awesome!! I'll come again and expect more pictures in Mongolia. And Mary, happy birthday to you!
Take care-
Julie
We are having a great trip so far Julie! Just got your comment as we sit here updating the site in Irkutsk, Russia. We could use some of your German since 8 Germans just arrived in our hostel! Hope all is well at the school!
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