| | Rented bikes at the ready, we approach the walls of the Forbidden City |
| | | Holy wontons Batman, we're in Beijing! |
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| | Linda yucks it up with the Chairman as we come out out onto Tianamen Square |
| | | Shameless promotion under the Great Helmsman's watchful gaze |
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| | Navigating the teeming streets of Beijing, we join 10 million bicyclists |
| | | A blind man plays a mournful wail on a 2-string instrument |
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| | Bike shop, Beijing style. Do they sell helmets here? (No) |
| | | The astonishing Peking Duckmobile -check out the seat angle and tight chain |
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| | Evening lakeside feast with Beijing friends from tour operator, Wild China. |
| | | A stroll around Tianamen Square - local and foreign tourists, soldiers galore |
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| | We make friends with a young Chinese artist wanting to pratctice his English |
| | | His friend offers a gift, our names in calligraphy - beautiful! |
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| | We purchased several wall hangings to compliment our calligraphy collection |
| | | Back in the Forbidden City, some local visitors show off the cute baby |
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| | We join a film crew for a re-make of The Last Emperor |
| | | Barbarian Emperor with exquisitely dressed & Lovely Emperess |
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| | Austere Majesties of the Twelve Kingdoms |
| | | Barbarian is re-cast as Chinese Warrior |
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| | Chinese Warrior astride his Mongolian horse, attacking the city walls |
| | | The real Emperor shows up! Head Sorcerer pronounces auspicious conditions |
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| | The Emperess joins the party, the Emperor is looking pleased |
| | | Emperor the Younger appears |
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| | And the Lilttlest Emperess is close by too |
| | | Several consorts make their preparations |
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| | Later that evening, strolling Beijing's Night Market |
| | | An amazing display of kebabs are displayed for the passing crowds |
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| | The busy chefs are giving Emeril a run for his money |
| | | Linda considers her menu options, hmmmm.... |
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| | The array of foods is colorful and plentiful |
| | | All kinds of rice dishes appeal to the five senses |
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| | Kebabs of a different sort from the usual mix at our local mall |
| | | Eeek! Crabs, grubs & caterpillars tidily arranged for your dining pleasure |
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| | I double-dare you to eat one of those! |
| | | And for the truly adventurous, scorpions on the stick - we'll take two please! |
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| | Strolling the sidewalks in search of the next gastrnomic adventure |
| | | Entering the Forbidden City, this time on foot |
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| | Shades of paris - colorful wall posters announce museum shows around town. |
| | | The Emperor's Lions guard the entrance |
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| | Crowds of curious Chinese enjoy the visit to their greatest cultural treasure |
| | | Local expert demonstrates Kung Fu move "Crane Ascending" |
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| | Soaking in the sight of the vast scale of the Forbidden City |
| | | Cranes stand watch in front of the Emperor's pavillion, assuring Long Life |
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| | Enjoying the Lotus flowers in the lobby of the Palace Hotel |
| | | Another view of the lobby, with the Chinese Imperial Horses standing guard |
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| | Back into the alleyways of Beijing, in search of the next bargain or exotic meal |
| | | Making friends with the local restauranteurs |
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| | Bargaining for vacuum-packed Peking Duck from friendly street vendors |
| | | Ending our stroll with a few othe Chinese friends we met along the way |
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