Today I found a little slice of heaven in the heart of Beijing. And it only cost me 3 yuan.
Mirinda and Sarah set off early for the conference this morning, the one that started this whole trip. When we went out to the terrace after breakfast to check the weather, it was like we’d materialised into another city. No pollution, no clouds, nothing but blue skies, a slight (tasteless) breeze and a delightful temperature. Sarah was somewhat dismayed given they were going to be spending the entire day in a windowless conference room and her only free day (yesterday) was the most polluted ever!
I was tempted to return to bed after they’d left but the blue sky and fresh breeze drew me outside and down to Tienanmen Square. And, for the first time, I could see everything.
Getting a big tour group to pose
The square (made to accommodate a million people) was alive with tour groups (all Chinese) and I felt like telling them how lucky they were not to have come yesterday.
The picture that everyone takes
Seriously, this is how Beijing should be. Everything is so bright and colourful or just blazing white, under cloudless skies that it’s a shame to hide it all behind so much evil smelling air. Still, what can you do? That’s what progress will do for you, I guess.
Anyway, security was still tight but nothing too irritating and no real hold ups. I enjoyed a lovely stroll around the square, stopping now and then to take a photo before, finally, heading off for my destination for today: Zhongshan Park.
It’s just beyond the Forbidden City, in a little corner, and is brilliant. A proper park! With grass and winding paths and everything. It is an amazingly relaxed and calm place. Groups do Tai Chi while others lean back in the sun. The faint strain of Chinese music fills the air. Autumn giving everything a yellow and reddish glow. Bliss.
Ladies doing Tai Chi with swords
Of course, there’s the usual pavilions and weird shaped rocks but with paths winding through and between them, they don’t seem quite as weird.
I settled myself on a bench and enjoyed everything…especially the sun on my face and the light breeze. I was there for a few hours.
I think this is Zhu Qiqian, who made it a public park in 1914
The rest of the day was spent doing nothing in the hotel room. By ‘nothing’ I mean organising photos, reading and snoozing. Perfect, given I feel I haven’t stopped for a week.
