First and Second Day

Hello everyone-
Sorry that I'm a day behind with my blogging. I typed a blog last night and tried to attach some photos. Once I tried to do this my internet connection timed out and I was unable to go back and salvage my email. Anyways, I'd first like to say that China is awesome. I feel like I could get used to living here. However, my lack of Chinese proficiency would prove to be frustrating. Second, I am unable to access facebook here in China. Sorry to all those that have posted something on my wall. I'm not trying to be rude by not responding. I'm just unable too. Third, I won't be able to post pictures until I get to Tianjin or Nanjing. The internet connection at the hostel is too slow.
Our first day we woke up and had some amazing meat buns. Breakfast for only 4 Yuan (roughly 70 cents American)…amazing. After breakfast we made our way to Tiananmen Square. It was truly surreal to see that this place has turned into such a tourist attraction despite the events of the 1980s. Despite this, Tiananmen Square reminded me of the lawn in Washington D.C. It is the heart of the city with Mao's Mosleum, The Forbidden City, National Museum, The People's Congress, and other government buildings.
While in Tiananmen Square we had a few Chinese people that came up and took pictures with us. I'm not sure why, but it was funny. Especially when they singled out Carl and wanted to take a picture with him. We visited Mao's mosuleum, and it was quite impressive. However, I don't understand this shrine to such a man, (I'll elaborate more on this later when I get back to the states) After we went through the mosuleum we made our way to Tiananmen Road. (I believe that's what it is called) They had a number of shops and old buildings, some of which were famous. We saw the movie theatre where they showed the first film in China. After lunch we ventured back towards Tiananmen Square and stopped at the People's Congress building. It is a massive building and I was blown away by its sheer size. We weren't allowed to enter, but took a few pictures outside of it.
Next we stopped to tour The Forbidden City. I was awe struck by this massive compound. Not only was the architecture beautiful, but the intricate detailing that they put on the buildings was impressive. While inside The Forbidden City we stopped to admire Ancient Chinese Art and calligraphy. The art pieces were absolutely stunning. The detail that the artists put into their works was unfathomable. Even the calligraphy was done so artistically.
After a long day of sight seeing we headed back to our hostel to get some rest. Some of us went out to grab a late dinner, while the rest just crashed and called it an early night. That was the end of our first day.

Today we grabbed breakfast at the same restaurant. Meat buns for 4 Yuan is just too hard to pass on. After breakfast we made our way to the summer palace. I must say that it is one of the most amazing places that I have been to. The palace is a compound that is built into the side of this very big hill. We had to climb numerous steps to get to the top, and stopped many times to go through the various buildings that make up the palace. Once we got to the top we were able to see the whole palace. Also, there is a lake behind it that really complimented the beauty of the whole area. It was pretty interesting to see, beyond the palace compound, the development and construction of sky scrappers. It was very symbolic of the situation that China is in today. A mix of old and new.
Once we were done visiting the palace we were absolutely starving. We stopped at a street vendor were I snacked on some lamb and baby sparrows. That's right baby sparrows, whole baby sparrows. While eating at the street car police officers came by and told the vendors in the area that they had to leave. Apparently this is illegal in China because they don't pay taxes. It was comical seeing the people get up and move their carts about 20 feet until the police officers went away. Then they just came back and resumed their business. After our snack we went to the Peking University. I must say that the Peking University puts Winona State to absolute shame. The have a huge pagoda and lake on Campus. Also, they have about 4 soccer fields and numerous out door basketball courts for their students. Along with this they have a climbing wall, archery range, and gymnasium. Man Winona State really sucks compared to Peking University.
After Peking University we went to the Wang Fu Jin Market. Right when we got off the subway we saw some little kid taking a dump on some grass. Naturally we asked our professor what was that, and why. He couldn't respond and just started laughing. The Wang Fu Xing Market It is an array of luxury stores, and street vendors. We dined on some noodles and watch a Peking opera. I stopped and purchased some Chinese loafers, comfortable I must add, and we procceded to go back to the hostel.

It's been another long day, and I am enjoying my time in Beijing. I am going to bed now. Take care everyone. If you want to get a hold of me just email me smhanson7482@winona.edu