Day 4: Pearl Market, Forbidden City, Bird's Nest, Watercube,

Sunset at the Forbidden City

We were determined to get to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace in the heart of Beijing. We made it even though it was especially crowded because people are gathering for the national holiday tomorrow! The palace was amazing to see in person. 

Chinese guards shooting some hoops. 

To the right of the courtyard guards were playing basketball, shining shoes, and playing pool.  There were people every few feet selling all different types of goods from tiny carts.

"Hello! Look-a. Look-a, Hello!"

The inside of the Forbidden city was closed when we got there, but the park was jam packed with people rushing around in every direction. The government is preparing for the national holiday, when thousands of people come to Beijing. 

Huge crowds in Beijing for the national holiday. 

Imagine this in a subway version.

We braved the subway at rush hour, which was an experience in itself.  It seemed impossible to fit another body on the subway car we one as we headed over to the Olympic stadiums to see the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest. The sky was more hazy today than it had been in our first few days, but it was still very cool to see the Olympic sights. 

The lights were amazing at the Water Cube.

The Bird's Nest.

The dinner scene at Hou Hai was out of a dream. We sat on a lantern-lit deck by the lake where little boats were tied together next to what looked like lily pads. The lanterns reflecting on the water were absolutely gorgeous. 

My camera can't possibly do it justice. 

Lanterns surrounding our table.  

Would have taken a picture of our meal if it wasn't so delicious that I forgot to! We ordered jasmine tea with our noodles and other dishes. I'm finally getting the hang of ordering (and using the chopsticks).

So happy here.