Forbidden City et al.

Today before breakfast David and I went for a walk in downtown Beijing, a city of 16000000. unfortunately I did not pay close attention as we twisted and turned thru streets and alleys and distracted David with my witty repartee` and we soon found ourselves lost. We decried our senselessness, threw the I Ching and got "Turn left four times and you will find yourselves at the beginning." Whew! We made it back in time for a delicious buffet breakfast at our classy hotel. We all boarded rickshaws and were off for a frenetic day of exploring(this time with a guide) the streets and alleys of Beijing's Hu Tong. After that, a visit to Sun Yat Sen's wife's museum, and a Dim Sum luncheon at a local family's house. Delicious. Then off we went to the Forbidden City. Our local guide revealed to us that his hobby is "riding horses, chasing women and making them scream." He was a jokester in the finest tradition and and excellent and informative guide. While at the FC in sweltering heat Bruce treated us all to popsickles. We then proceeded to Tianamen Square, dinner and uniquely entertaining performances at a well known Teahouse. We did so much today, ate so much good food and walked for miles as we got to know each other better. Our trip so far has been mind-blowing.