Day 4- Tinnamen Square, the Forbidden City, Hutong Tour

We got off to another early start at 8:30, we went to see Tinnamen Square and the Forbidden City. It was far larger than I ever expected and amazing. The buildings in the Forbidden City were decorated in real gold leaf. It was FREEZING, in single digits (thanks Pam/Ricky for the coats) and our toes were numb by the end. The history with the emperors and dynasties were very interesting.

We were so thrilled to get back to the bus after about 3 hours of walking in frigid temperatures. We then headed for a tour of Hutong. Probably one of the funniest things so far, we got to take a Rickshaw ride. We went around the city on a guided tour and made 2 different stops. The last stop was at one of the residents home- and it was eye opening. She was very welcoming the 14 of us in her home and made us tea. We got to ask questions and she was so nice. And no HEAT in the home.

This was the womans mother doing laundry, very small washer, and she hung them up to dry-no dryers.

And her kitchen. We arrived back at the hotel at 3, sent luggage to airport, had quick lunch in the hotel(Mickey -fries, Candyce- club sandwich- and it was all good)and then took off for the Beijing airport at 4:30 to catch our flight to Shanghai at 7. Most all of us were over on luggage and had to pay, and almost missed the flight cause it took so long. Arrived in Shanghai and to her hotel by midnight.