Beijing

So last week we went to Beijing! We'd been warned again and again how disappointing and unbeautiful and industrial it was but I am happy to report the exact opposite. It had all the charm of a sweet, Midwestern city. Tons of families, very clean, fairly quiet for a city, and the bluest skies. Apparently, Beijing is still working hard to keep the skies clear since the Olympics and it shows.

The Great Wall! It's certainly one of the greatest walls I've seen, as far as walls go. The plaque in the middle of the road was put there by Mao Ze Dong and it says whoever climbs the great wall is a hero. So, not to brag or anything but...

We chilled with this guy for a bit although, I think we had a little more fun than he did.

Clout the knockers!

That is the Temple of Heaven. It is awe-inspiring and gargantuan and intricately painted and totally gorgeous. Really breathtaking.

However, there is a limit on the amount of pagodas a person can see and thoroughly appreciate. The limit is a million. And we exceeded it a month ago. Rachel and I agreed that at the beginning of the trip we were totes pagotes but by the time we got to Beijing, we were notes pagotes. So, we went out and had a beer.

At this place. Which was sweet! The dance floor was bouncy moonwalk material and there was a guy who was inexplicably dressed as a pirate! We were all a little sad to leave.