Beijing Part 1

I have finally avoided posting the one million pictures from China for long enough. Really, I wouldn't mind doing it if my fancy schmancy camera pictures didn't take so darn long to load onto Blogger, and yes, I do realize I could make them smaller. But what fun is there in that? That's even more work for me. And remember how I avoid extra work at all costs? Well, don't you forget it, I shan't be mentioning it again.

Onto the much anticipated pictures. Oh and I should warn you that my main motivation in taking photos is either funny or funky, so I hope you enjoy them anyway. You might have to make a trip to China yourself if your looking for some serious tourist shots.

Here we are enjoying some after flight beverages, and yes, we do feel just as blitzed as we look. It was a very long flight and we were waiting for Yuan's plane to land, and it was like 6 in the morning for us after not sleeping for like an entire day. So to say were were tired is a gross understatement.
We are in our hotel, and John is basking in the glory of gianthood. (In case you can't read it, the sign says "Beware your head." - and I know you can't read the Chinese, I mean it says that in English below.
Our first jaunt outside, and what do we find for sale on the street?
Why pigeons in a box of course. Just what I was hoping to squeeze in my carry-on. We didn't ask if it was for food or pleasure.

The outside of our hotel. This hotel was recently refurbished, and Yuan can correct me, but I think that parts of the hotel were over 600 years old.

Bikes bikes bikes. These people know how to save on gas money. Not everyone even owns a car, they just strap their kid to the back of the bike and go. Which, considering the number of cars on the street, is pretty amazing, California has nothing on China when it comes to comparing traffic patterns.
So these next two photos will require a bit of an explanation. When we had Ethan, Yuan and Justin went to China and they told is that they couldn't bring back pants for Ethan because all the pants would have a split seam in the rear. ??? In China, everyone "potty-trains" their kids (read - the parents potty train themselves to anticipate their kids' toileting needs) by around 3 months or so. So all the pants have this split seam in the rear, because when the kids need to "go," the parents squat them on the side of the road or hallway or wherever and let them so there. This statue is a testament to the truth of the practice, as the children are playing and their split seams are highly visible.
This one is even anatomically correct, with the boys bits and all. (Sorry kids, shield your eyes.)
Posed in front of the East Gate at Tiananmen Square.
These boys share the same genes/jeans. ;)
Tiananmen Square. This place is massive. And it's no joke there are a lot of people in China. Although we were celebrities with blond hair. Everywhere we went, people would ask to pose with us so they could take a picture of our hair.
Tiananmen Square is just outside the Forbidden City which is where the Emperors lived. Inside the Forbidden City there is wall inside wall inside wall protecting the Emperor. It felt like it went for miles and miles. And I can't remember the purpose of each of the amazing buildings, but it would have a description like, "this is where the Emperor takes his tea before entertaining a small party of guests." The following building would say, "This is where the Emperor puts on his robes when entertaining a small party of guests." I mean, there was a building for every purpose and there was no such thing as multi-tasking.
This is looking back at one of the many buildings and walls. Don't you worry, I have a picture later that shows the grand scheme of things.
John & Justin enjoying the walk.
This a Jared asking for a "Rexplanation" as we say in our family, which is to say a detailed, and expertly rehearsed explanation of the history and reasoning behind any matter or item. Yuan did an excellent job of being our tour guide, and could always provide information on anything we asked. She did a fantastic job.
Here's the group. Oh yes, did I mention I was the official photographer? So I'm not in any pictures, but I promise I was there too.
Outside almost all important buildings is a pair of lions, one male with his paw resting on a ball, and the other a female, playing with a cub.
Just a peak at the underside of the rooftops. Everything had just been repainted for the sixtieth anniversary of something (Yuan, I need you to give me a Rexplanation, I've already forgotten it.)
Here is the inside of one of the buildings. You know we just don't have the same craftsmanship as they did a thousand years ago.
More people, more buildings. Remember how I said it went for miles? I wasn't kidding. And I promise I've even edited out many many pictures.
These little figurines on the edge of the roof indicate the importance of a building. The more figurines, the better.
Ta-dah! The Emperor's Throne.

Sorry China, Jared can be very irreverent.
There were museums throughout the Forbidden City as well. The Chinese are obsessed with jade and they can do really amazing things out of it. I loved the simplicity of the lettuce, who knew it would be a nice one to sculpt?
Inside the Forbidden City they have these rock gardens there that are PHENOMENAL. They are copied from a city that we visited later on, which I will have many more pictures to show you. But really the twists and turns of the rock create pathways and private areas all through a garden-type area. In the US, it seems like the more you see of your land, the better. It's exactly opposite in China, they prefer to have place to relax and explore with small areas to have privacy.
This is what the same type of building look like when unrestored. I love the weathered look personally. And of course this is a fine engagement shot.
More pathways off to nowhere.
The three girls, more engagement pictures.
Surprise! We got to see my cousin who was living in China. She took a train to come visit and got to hang out with us for a few hours. I think she was definitely American-starved. Oh, I should also mention, she is the closest thing I have to a twin.
Here's our lunch, a very typical spread of food. Lots of soups/noodles and such. All served family style.
We gathered around for an impromptu game of Chinese hacky-sack, that's played with this thing that has feathers and metal disks for weights.
This is an army tree I saw while hiking up to a Buddhist Temple. Wouldn't it be cool to have one of these in your yard?This is from the top of the Buddhist Temple Hill looking back at the Forbidden City. See? Miles and miles? I told you so.And the happy Buddha.

Did you make it to the end? Would it make you cry if I told you this was only our first day and a half? Dry your tears darling, we are less and less trigger happy as the trip progresses. Return soon for more parts to our adventure.