Out and About in China

We are writing this as we are setting our alarms for 3.05 am! So perhaps for this post you will cut us a bit of slack as we rely on our pictures painting a thousand words. 

Two highlights from last night: the Taro ice cream

And the Chinese acrobats:

We really enjoyed our morning at the Heavenly temple and the surrounding park where we experienced more authentic daily activities for the retired population of Beijing. A lot of it was centred on gentle movement in the fresh air as well as strength and flexibility.

We saw fantastic synchronised ballroom dancing in the park...

Some male characteristics transcend geographic boundaries

We heard music on instruments we recognised....

and this one we didn't called a hulusi. This gentleman interrupted teaching his class to play us a stirring rendition of Jingle Bells.

Near the Heavenly Temple we found crochet and board games and dubious Kleenex habits (spot the missing nostril)

The park was filled with fantastic ancient Cypress trees and roses roses everywhere

And lovely children:

The heavenly Temple was where the reigning Emperor came between 1400-1911 to chat to the Emperors in the heavens and offer sacrifices seeking a bountiful harvest. It is a spectacular 3 layered circular building in a similar style to the buildings of the Forbidden City.

From there we went from the sublime to the ridiculous....Not the Great lychee, not the great Prawn nor the Great Duck.......(refer to earlier post of Kylie with the Great Duck)

But to The Great Pearl! Here we are immediately before risking our lives in the 4 story bargain hunters markets where all claims are misleading, no consumer law is in evidence, silk is not silk, everything looks the same in every stall and any price you offer is "below my cost price" and all you hear is "you lady - you give me a little bit more" and "I like you here is special price just for you". 

Good night from Tiger Balm and Voltaren land.......