Our Beijing trip included stops at the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and other destinations. Professor Chen expertly organized the itinerary.
We arrived at the hotel in Beijing to find an ornate building in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city.
Our room was clean, neat, and comfortable.
One of the first things we did was to have an excellent Chinese lunch.
We saw several McDonalds restaurants in Beijing.
Lauren fell in love with the bus guides Monica and Amy
...and the feeling was very mutual!
We met Wang Lan Ying, a college student at Peking University who was studying law.
We sat on her bed in her dorm, which she shared (the room, not the bed) with 3 other law students. Because she was a graduate student, she did not have to share with 5 others!
During the dressy party, Wang Lan Ying poses with us.
On our way to the Great Wall, we saw a bus packed, and I mean PACKED, full of very young students.
We visited a Cloisonne factory, and Lauren enjoyed watching the workers glue on the copper dividers.
We had Peking Duck and the students here are trying a certain portion all at the same time especially for Skye, the professional videographer.
We visited Tienman Square
The Forbidden City, within Tienman Square, was vast and majestic. (thanks to Julie Kiefer for taking this shot with my camcorder)
Lauren was happy to pose in front of the North Gate of the Forbidden City.
At the Temple of Heaven, Lauren poses as requested!
Our trip to the Great Wall was a highlight of the 28 days we have spent so far. This is the first glance we had from the bus.
Some of the scenery from the 2,100 step climb up to the top at one important area of the Great Wall was breathtaking.
It was hard to believe we were actually there. But the 6,000 kilometer wall would take a lifetime to completely conquer!
While we climbed and walked, Lauren was stopped countless times to pose with the citizens of Beijing.
...again, and again.
When we reached the top, we were quite excited!
Here's the family posing for the compulsory photo at the top. (thanks to Julie Kiefer for taking this shot with my camcorder)

Photos copyright 1999, Dennis F. Galletta