More Adventures with Alexander and George

We were up early and at Tienanman Square. The queue to see Mao was enormous, but it was moving fast and we were up beat. We were asked for ID, and we both had it. We went into the security check and ran into a little issue. I threw my watch into the scanner and when I walked through I beeped, which I expected given the contents of my pockets... one Swiss Army Knife, one Camera, toilet paper, passport, four types of currency, and some admission tickets... All the security guard cared about was the camera. When she asked if I had one I fumbled over my words in trying not to lie but not to tell the truth. She felt my pocket and felt the passport, missing the camera. I was told to move on.

I saw George being escorted away.

I went into the Memorial and in a very fast rush of people we hustled in and like a great conveyor belt were hustled out. All the while our hats were off, flowers were dropped, and our respects were paid. Mao seemed at peace.

George met me on the way out. They had found his camera and no matter what he said they would not let him through. The queue was thining some so I offered to take his camera and wait for him. He quickly completed the circuit and we were off to our next destination.

I spent a few hours in the Forbidden City finishing off, and at 20 yuan I might add when full admission is 60. George and I split up as I went to look at a market and he finished off the City. We met up at the Hostel some hours later.

In the afternoon we went to the Temple of Heaven and just had time to see it all. The Temple of Heaven Park is enormous and this quickly became another great quest... Alexander and George in the Escape from the Temple of Heaven. Running on a timeframe, since his train left tonight/is leaving tonight, we grabbed a Taxi to take us to a park near the Forbidden City. We climbed a hill and were fortunate enough to get a view of the entire city. What a view it was. We snapped our photos and continued on our way.

Having re-grasped our bearings and re-evaluated out timeframe we hopped into a little local restaurant for supper. They brought us some dumpling things. They were great. Then we pointed at the meals of some other patrons and were brought more food. It was also great. We both ate for 25 yuan... like... $4.50 CAD, and that is with drinks.

Back on the move we were back in the Square where we were able to watch the Flag Ceremony. Every Sunrise and Sunset the soldiers come to raise and lower the flag in Tienanman Square. It was a great thing to see.

Then we were in a real hurry. We speed walked back to the Hostel and George got ready to go. He found some people taking the same train as him and decided to take a taxi with them.

We shook hands and parted ways. This shall be our greatest adventure yet.

George and Alexander Go Solo!