Summer Palace

Today Olivia yanked Julia out of bed! Woo Hoo... that's probably a first. It was our plan to get an early start on the day. Our first adventure on our own in Beijing.   It took us 1 bus and 3 subway transfers to get to the stop we thought was closest to the Summer Palace. But... er, no. That was not the one. The "helpful" Americans in the Tourist Information Center, not only budged in line but then proceeded to make the poor Chinese woman helping us frustrated. Erg. As it turns out, we were one stop away from where we needed to be. It was only 9:30 a.m. and it was already deadly hot.   So, popped back on the subway to the right exit. No signs about which way to the Summer Palace, but we knew we were in the right area because of the multitude of bicycle/cart/taxi drivers trying to earn a fare. We (repeatedly) turned them down and walked in the direction they were driving others. (ha)   We will try to upload a photo or two but not having good luck with it right now. The Palace was magnificient. It's more than a palace, really. More like a National park (it's a World Heritage site). It has a very large lake in the center. Boats (including the ornate dragonboat we rode) cross the lake. The ancient palace building are amazing in their detail. Who would have thought to paint each rafter on the staircase?   Olivia insisted we climb to the top of the Temple of Buddha's Incense. We took it in fits and starts, as it was WAY up there. Beautiful architecture, overwhelming detail, and those "National Geographic" scenes you'd expect. We took a ton of photos. Some turned out well, others not so well due to the hazy day.   There was an outdoor hallway called the "Long Corridor" that went on for miles. It, too, was painted in detail with little scenes. Visitors appreciated the shade. We sat underneath it several times.   I don't know if we're getting used to the stares and giggles yet, but Julia and Olivia are getting a taste of what it's like to be the target of papparazzi. They had many families asking them to take a picture with them. Some just took photos without asking. There was a small group of visitors (probably from Africa) who I am guessing got about as much attention for their dark skin as we got for our light skin and different features. One old man asked if we were Russian. Hmmm. Well, no, not at all. His English was limited but he wanted me to know I had beautiful daughters. (I know that! But it was sweet. If not a little creepy...)   We walked across the 17 Arches/Pillars Bridge and decided we were ready to head home. We saw the main things we wanted to see but left many things not seen. Maybe when Jeanne comes she and the girls will take another stab at it.   The day was nearly brought down, though, by a positively dreadful walk back to the subway. It was unbearably hot. I don't know how else to describe it. We walked and walked and walked.... all the way back to the subway station we inadvertently got off at too early on our way there. And, despite the fact that we had each drunk 3 waters and a lemonade during our walk, we were bordering on heat stroke. Not kidding. Thankfully, the subway was cool and we started to feel okay. Decided to take a taxi for the last haul rather than the bus. Now, an hour later, everyone is recovered well enough.   We are feeling lazy and will probably look at a movie tonight. Tomorrow, still thinking about the shopping center. IF we can bear the thought of public transport tomorrow. We'll leave that till morning to decide.   J. and j. and o.