Today we ventured out into Beijing. The population is around 16 million. We started out having breakfast at the college which was made up of Chinese and American dishes. We got on the coach and headed for the Jade Shop where we learned how Jade was made and how to detect whether it was real Jade or not. We then took off for the Ming Dynasty tombs and sacred walk. On the sacred walk there are beautiful statues of different animals, military men and scholars to scare off the evil spirits. Watch out for the vendors as you leave the Sacred walk, their "one dollar" temptations may just get you. It is best to brush up on the phrase "Boo Yoi My" (don't want to buy.) Later we had lunch at the Friendship store and then we were off for the Great Wall. The Great Wall was magnificent but it is definitely something one has to experience to understand. We had a couple hours there where some of the group traveled up part way up the wall and some went all the way to the top. It was a prime photo opportunity spot. After we had the famous Beijing Duck for dinner. My only advice is that if you experience this, don't fill up before the duck arrives because when it comes, it really comes. Also don't forget to applaud the chef after he carves it. We walked to our coach through the city, getting a chance to see a little of the nightlife in Beijing.
