Forbidden City/Temple of Heaven

It is shameful that I am pooling these two marvelous, historical architectural wonders together, but I am sick of writing about China and I am sure you are sick of reading about it. Also, it sort of sums up our trip. There was a lot of enthusiasm at the beginning of our trip, but after miles of walking (and many of those miles were done in heels--Amber!) and going nonstop from the minute we arrived, our perseverance subsided and we observed our surroundings leisurely.

When you see the outside of the Forbidden City, you can't help but be in complete awe at the grandeur of the huge Imperial buildings. What is also impressive is the number of Chinese tourists that are wandering the grounds. They touch all the brass figures and huddle around all the windows and openings of the main buildings. For 500 years the Forbidden City served as the seat of government and was off-limits to ordinary Chinese citizens. It was like they were touching the bronze statues in honor of their ancestors who only heard of what was behind the tall brick walls.

The dragon and phoenix figures bring protection against lighting and fire.

The lace bark tree

ceiling of a gazebo

The empress' bedroom. This is where she committed suicide after she found out they had been defeated.

Various thrones:



The nine dragon wall:

To me, the buildings were great, but the people watching was even better:
Here are some samples of Chinese high fashion:

Temple of Heaven

I am dreaming up a plan to go back with Axel. I know he would groove the art and appreciate the culture. The trip was amazing and Amber and I have said over and over again we would go back in a minute. What would make it all the better is if we moved there. Maybe? Please?