Temple of Heaven, Pearl Market.. and more shopping and a Foot Massage

Today was day 3. It started out a little rocky but we made it and it turned out really good. We got to the Temple at about 10. So many people. on the way there we drove by the Square NO PEOPLE! i thought to my self this is the day to go... until my faithful student told me today was the ceremony for the 59th anniversary of the country.. President would make a speech and that there... so we went on....

The temple was bery beautiful. so many flowers, and the grass was healthy and green. We also went to what Jason said was the echo wall. we saw where they made sacrafices, and where the emperor went to pray... did you know this place was only used 1 time a year???? i thought man so much money spent for a huge place to only use it 1 time... cool... Lots of walking so we were tired out.

Then we went to the KFC for lunch.. After we went into the Pearl Market. So many things to look at.. i did get something i had wanted from here. After we went another famous street. There I was able to meet up with my Team Leader Derek from last summer. What a wonderful time. i was so happy to see him. We were shopping and moving so i didn't get to talk much but still so happy to see him. I did get to see the Cathedral and a huge book store with many english books. I found Cat and the Hat and some other favorites for the children in Chinese and English. I also was able to try a yummy sweet snack with plum... which i was sure was going to get me sent to the dentist.. oh man!

Dinner was really good. :) I always enjoy eating in China :) After we went to another shopping street and shopped till we dropped at 9:15. From there it was to the foot Massage. :) Oh how wonderful.. What a good way to end the official trip in Beijing. I really enjoy the life in Beijing and People are so kind. :)

Tomorrow we take the D-train at 11 to Taishan.

~Raychel