Got the metro out to the Summer Palace and walked around to the entrance. It cost more to this place compared to the Forbidden City and it was well worth it. Walked into the area and looked a various old Chinese building back in the days of Empress Cixi, the outside of the buildings the hand painting is so intricate and so colourful. Made our way out onto the lake area it was amazing covered in ice and people were riding on a variety of electric contraptions, ski seats using poles to move along the ice, families were enjoying themselves, great to see. We moved to the left and made our way around the big lake going over numerous bridges. The were numerous eating places dotted along the way sausages on a stick were very popular and Penny even enjoyed them. It was quite busy with people but was relaxing with some breath taking views. We stopped at a restaurant and had some lunch on Chinese river boat sat on the lake, was average. Then we made our way around to the Summer Palace and it is some hike to the top, Penny appreciated my assistance. We were allowed to enter the last stage to the Palace as it was closing time and they rushed us through and we did not have a chance to take any photos from the top. But overall the Summer Palace is a must to see and do in Beijing.
We are doing the Great Wall of China tomorrow morning 07:15 pick up get back at 16:30. We have decided to check out of the hotel tomorrow as it is not for us. The staff are very good but no one speaks English and we are doing translation on the I phones and some time very confusing. The smells from the bathroom drains is not pleasant at all, the room is not practical or comfortable the only mirror is covered up as you hang our jackets there. The hotel is not geared up for European travellers and the walls are very thin you hear noises easily. I have told them we are checking out in the morning. Originally the booking said check out up to 18:00 they said if you do we charge you 50%. So we will put the bags in storage and pick them up after the tour. Have booked into the Howard Johnson close to the Main Railway Station for 2 nights. We need to get Penny’s new reindeer boots some t shirts and few other things shipped back to the UK. We are over the 20 kg limit for the flights we have booked later on and when we reach warmer climates after Tibet and the Yangtze River cruise will will ditch our winter clothes.
Maurice's Travel 