Beijing is a wonderful Asian city. It may take a few days to get used to, but certainly worth the effort. The last couple of days have produced some interesting (but fun) moments. We visited the Tibetan Lama Temple which was very beautiful and serene. We watched as Buddhist worshipers weaved their way through each of the intricately decorated shrines; the smell of incense filled the air as curls of smoke drifted from the brightly coloured sticks that they carried. We stood in the peaceful presence of six golden Buddhas - with our feet respectfully pointed away from his image. Monks, dressed in their robes, walked the grounds and encouraged us to spin the Tibetan prayer wheels for some luck. The last shrine in the series housed an 18 metre high golden Buddha; it's said that he was carved from a single piece of wood. We stood in his glorious and knowing presence, letting the calm wash over us. It was quite spectacular.
After we left the Lama Temple we felt at ease and one with the universe. However, a short visit to the chaotic stands at the Silk Market quickly abolished all of our inner peace. With the best brand-name and fashion label knock-offs, it was just too hard to resist. We wove through the maze-like aisles of this six-floor emporium. Purses, boots, bags and much more were thrust into our hands all with the promises of "special price" and "special sale." There was Louis Vouton, Gucci, Prada, Coach, Channel and so much more. We were grabbed, pushed and prodded into the vender's stalls - apparently "no" really doesn't mean "no" at the silk market. As traumatizing as the experience was, we were able to sharpen our haggling skills and wound up getting quite a few bargains... at least we thought they were bargains. There are three important things to remember when haggling over price 1) never seem too interested, 2) always start really low so that you have some room to adjust, and 3) walk away; the minute that you walk away you're gauranteed that they will drop the price by half. It's always important to remember that the "right price" is the price you pay. It is a suitable agreement between you and the vender. I wonder if any of these techniques will work back home in Canada?
After picking up some great Jimmy Choo and Marc Jacobs, we were side tracked by two sweet-looking girls at a silk scarf stall...or at least we thought they were sweet. They ended up physically holding us hostage in their stall with death grips on our arms and bags. They were trying to physically intimidate us and take our money. Things got ugly and I had to physically force them off us. They shouted curses and obsenities as we fled to a safer floor. It was pretty aweful, but we weren't gonna let it ruin our experience.
The next day we felt like visisting the modern side of Beijing which is equally if not more impressive. We began at the Bird's Nest Stadium and it's counter part the Water Cube. Very nice, and it reminded us of the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver that we will have to miss :( Next we went to see the CCTV building which is brand new and controversal. It looks like a giant pair of pants. Some Chinese find it offensive because it was built so close to the Forbidden City. I thought it was amazing - google it.
We were feeling a little peckish so we decided to head to the famous Snack Market where various Chinese delicacies are served by outdoor venders. The fare ranged from delicious and tolerable dumplings to seahorse, starfish, and scorpion kabobs. We tried quite a few things, those that looked somewhat edible, and found it to be quite nice. Tasty even!
Later in the evening our group had the opportunity to make our own dumplings for dinner. It is tradition to put a coin inside one of the dumpling so that whoever finds it will have good luck.
Unfortunately, I may have twisted my knee a little so I've been up in the room icing it - I didn't find the coin.
(FYI: We have made it safely to Xian! Stay tuned for coming posts.)
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